Energy

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>

Energy crisis cited as turning point for Davis

September 2, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union Tribune</p> <p>"He could either capitulate to blackout blackmail and raise rates and cut long-term contracts, or he could have seized power plants," said Harvey Rosenfield of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica.</p>

Experts slam gas control plan

August 30, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Bustamante's political consultant dismissed suggestions that regulating gas prices would lead to shortages</h3><p class="source">The Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Consumer advocate Jamie Court of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica backed Bustamante's plan and said it was ridiculous to think supplies would dry up if prices were regulated.</p>

Long-stalled energy bill gets boost

August 29, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Copley News Service</p> <p>"The repeal of PUHCA would leave America with a few unrestrained power giants controlling our energy system, which would make California and the recent blackouts seem mild compared to the deregulated future politicians have in store for us," said Doug Hel</p>

Dishonor Among Thieves — The recent gas crisis should inspire reform

August 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Phoenix New Times (Arizona)</p> <p>Earlier this year, the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights completed a comprehensive two-year investigation of the western U.S. gasoline market, which includes Arizona.</p>

WE’RE NOT BUYING LAME EXCUSES FOR HIGH GAS PRICES

August 26, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Modesto Bee</p> <p>According to the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonprofit run by Harvey Rosenfeld, California drivers were overcharged $2.8 billion last year alone. That's not as big a grab as the electricity thieves got, but it's still quite a lot.</p>

Outage challenges deregulation;

August 24, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Questions focus on whether competition in electricity works</h3><p class="source">The Detroit News</p> <p>"Blackouts are a symptom of a strained system, and it cannot be denied that deregulation has exacerbated the strain." Douglas Heller, senior consumer advocate with FTCR, said in a letter to President George W. Bush.</p>

Court upholds utility bailout;

August 22, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>PUC, EDISON ELECTRICITY DEAL DID NOT VIOLATE STATE LAW, JUSTICES SAY</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>"This is a $3 billion travesty of justice for the state's consumers," said Harvey Rosenfield of FTCR. "According to the state Supreme Court, utilities are allowed to reap the benefits of deregulation -- but when deregulation collapsed, the consumers must</p>