Energy

California energy mess: the tab nobody picks up

October 20, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Christian Science Monitor (Boston, MA)</p> <p>FTCR has written the governor-elect asking for an explanation of a private May 2001 meeting with Enron chief Ken Lay and others. Schwarzenegger has said he didn't recall that session.</p>

Energy market strategy outlined Some say the new governor will wait to tackle power issues.

October 14, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Doug Heller with FTCR, said he believes Schwarzenegger will abandon efforts to collect $9 billion in refunds from energy generators - money the Davis administration says is owed to compensate ratepayers for overcharges.</p>

Energy policies present challenge;

October 10, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Governor-elect must carefully chart direction</h3><p class="source">San Mateo County Times (San Mateo, CA)</p> <p>Doug Heller, senior consumer advocate with the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said, "Arnold hasn't said that he wants to take these companies on and get our money back."</p>

ARNOLD’S BLACKOUT ABOUT ENRON

October 9, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Daily News (New York)</p> <p>So what was Schwarzenegger, then just another Hollywood star, doing at a private meeting with Ken Lay and all those high-powered business executives? Good question.</p>

Many trace California Governor Gray Davis’ political problems back to his handling of the electricity crisis

October 6, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">National Public Radio - All Things Considered</p> <p>HARVEY ROSENFIELD (FTCR): This recall is focused on him, but this is going to be the way that the California consumer protests the corruption of our political system that led to the energy crisis and then led to these higher electricity rates.</p>

Power Play; Consumer group’s lawsuit underscores the PUC’s shift away from what some saw as a pro-ratepayer stance

October 5, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Doug Heller, of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said there's a big difference between the PUC under Lynch and the commission under Peevey. "He is a deregulator, not a regulator."</p>

Could it be lights out?

September 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>If Davis tenure is short-circuited, many will look to his handling of electrical crisis.</h3><p class="source">Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>"He stood on the sidelines as opportunity after opportunity passed. He had his finger up, testing the political winds," said Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Californians will keep paying for 2001 power pacts

September 20, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>The total $5.4 billion in crisis-related costs next year is "a shocking reminder of how devastating the crisis was and continues to be," said Douglas Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica.</p>

A Lingering Recall Could Cloud Capitol With Unstable Climate;

September 20, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A lack of resolution to the campaign could distract lawmakers and influence policy.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"We'll see Davis supporters use the extra time to squeeze Davis to publicly support their causes, or privately agree to protect their interests," said Doug Heller, spokesman for the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Measure Calls for Health Benefits;

September 9, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Landmark legislation would require state's employers to buy insurance for workers.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"The potential sea change is to the level of the 1996 energy deregulation in California," said Jerry Flanagan of Santa Monica-based FTCR, which supports universal health care but believes the Burton program lacks adequate controls.</p>

State Orders Power Rebate of $1 Billion;

September 5, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A typical Edison home customer will get $40. Users of Sempra and PG&E also will benefit.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer activists, however, saw little cause for jubilation. Harvey Rosenfeld, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, noted that California electricity customers pay rates second only to those in Hawaii and with no relief in sight.</p>

GASOLINE PRICES STAYING HIGH

September 5, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Expected dip slow in coming.</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>"With gas prices, there's a hard push upward that's so extreme that when we get under $2 a gallon, we feel real good about it, as if it were acceptable," said Doug Heller, a senior consumer advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>