Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
The pendulum swings back

The pendulum swings back

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Energy deregulation sucks," said John Burton, the state Senate's top Democrat, summarizing his support for the "Repeal of Electricity Deregulation Act of 2003."</p>
Energy users will see pennies, not dollars, from gouger rebates

Energy users will see pennies, not dollars, from gouger rebates

<p class="source">Ventura County Star (California)</p> <p>Everyone involved agrees the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's brand-new finding of widespread market manipulation in the California energy crisis of two years ago was long overdue. But it's no surprise that politicians and consumer advocates take di</p>
Oil prices dip; gas lags behind

Oil prices dip; gas lags behind

<p class="source">The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, CA)</p> <p>Jamie Court, executive director of the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said the situation of tight gasoline supplies is similar to the California electricity market two years ago when a handful of generators could manipulat</p>
State high court won’t review Duque ruling

State high court won’t review Duque ruling

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>The California Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to review an appellate court ruling that struck down sanctions against a former state utility commissioner for buying stock in a wireless phone company.</p>
Bill aims at energy reform;

Bill aims at energy reform;

<h3>STATE LAWMAKERS WANT TO RE-REGULATE UTILITIES, INTRODUCE MORE CONTROLS</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Hoping to take California back to its pre-energy-crisis days, state lawmakers unveiled a bill Wednesday that would re-regulate the state's private electric utilities.</p>
Edison CEO’s Total Pay Doubles;

Edison CEO’s Total Pay Doubles;

<h3>John Bryson received $6 million in 2002. Activist says raise isn't merited in wake of crisis.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer advocate Doug Heller of FTCR criticized the salary increases and bonuses granted to Bryson and other executives at a time when Edison customers continue to pay high rates to settle debts from the energy crisis.</p>
State Considers Establishing a Gasoline Bank;

State Considers Establishing a Gasoline Bank;

<h3>A fuel reserve is one of several ideas proposed to curb large price swings when crude oil supplies run short or refineries falter.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As motorists fume at record-high gasoline prices, which soared in advance of war in Iraq, California officials are studying proposals that could help blunt future price spikes and reduce the state's growing dependence on petroleum.</p>
Consumer Groups Seek Energy Price Probe

Consumer Groups Seek Energy Price Probe

<p class="source">Energy Daily</p> <p>Four national consumer groups and consumer advocate Ralph Nader Monday asked President Bush to investigate the spiraling costs of energy, which the groups said have shaken consumer confidence, inflated prices and shifted capital from the United States to</p>
OSE USING ENERGY TO PROMOTE HIS PROFILE?

OSE USING ENERGY TO PROMOTE HIS PROFILE?

<p class="source">The National Journal Group Hotline</p> <p>The contrast between Senator Boxer and Congressman Ose couldn't be more clear. She was one of the first federal lawmakers to point the finger at the power companies and question their role ... while Congressman Ose was defending the federal bureaucracy a</p>