Energy

Davis Names Former Edison Chief to PUC

March 6, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Energy: Consumer groups are angered by appointment of industry insider. Governor defends his choice.</h3>The Los Angeles Times To a chorus of protests from consumer groups, Gov. Gray Davis on Tuesday appointed Michael R. Peevey, a former head of Southern California Edison, to the state panel that oversees utilities.

Energy Policy Act of 2002 – More Deregulation with Daschle-Bingaman Plan

March 4, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

While there are a number of points of concern (including taxpayer subsidies of the nuclear and oil industries), the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has focused its concern on two sections of the plan

Price-gouging Inquiries Target Enron Overcharges in California May Exceed $40 Billion

March 3, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

The Boston Globe The practices of Enron Corp. and other energy companies that designed California's energy-deregulation bill resulted in $40 billion to $70 billion in utility overcharges and ancillary costs,

Edison sends creditors $5.5 billion to repay debts

March 1, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

Associated Press State & Local Wire As one of California's major utilities settled its debts Friday, another remained mired in bankruptcy, which Gov. Gray Davis said is proof that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should have chosen to work with the state to resolve its financial troubles.

Dereg Dead [according to US foundation]

February 28, 2002 · Doug Heller

Electrical Business Magazine The U.S.-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) said the bankruptcy of energy giant Enron could trigger an end to electricity deregulation in California and the rest of the United States.

Insurance Commissioner Race Draws Diverse Supporters

February 27, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

California Workers Comp Advisor Tom Umberg may have Erin Brockovich on his side, but Tom Calderon has Pacific Gas & Electric Co. on his. Although both Democrats, the two insurance commissioner candidates are forging vastly different political alliances.

Move to void power pacts could backfire

February 26, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Financier warns attempt may feed market uncertainty and cost consumers</h3>The San Francisco Chronicle The hired Wall Street gun who served as Gov. Gray Davis' top financial manager during the energy crisis said yesterday that the state's move to nullify its long-term power contracts could end up costing California consumers more in the long run.

Davis Seeks Cuts in Power Deals

February 26, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Energy: FERC is asked to reduce cost of long-term contracts by $21 billion. Suppliers, analysts call the request a long shot.</h3>Los Angeles Times Gov. Gray Davis is seeking help from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission--the same regulators he blamed for letting power sellers charge sky-high prices and not immediately lending a hand to prevent rolling blackouts last year.

Calif. Wants Cheaper Power Contracts

February 25, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

Associated Press Gov. Gray Davis on Monday asked federal regulators to trim back the cost of long-term energy contracts the state scrambled to sign at the height of last year's energy crisis.

SDG&E able to escape a rate boost

February 22, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>PUC action, shrinking bill help avert increase</h3>San Diego Union-Tribune The state utilities commission yesterday spared SDG&E's electricity customers from another rate hike, but consumer advocates say a separate action by the commission that clears the way for the state to complete an $11 billion bond offering will cost util

Long road remains before state can sell $11.1 billion bonds

February 22, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

The Associated Press California power regulators no longer stand in the way of the state issuing $11.1 billion of bonds to settle its looming power-buying debt, an expensive souvenir from last year's energy crunch.

California, Pennsylvania deregulation falls into legal limbo

February 22, 2002 · Consumer Watchdog

Electric Light & Power Magazine The headlines have been screaming for over a year about the pros and cons of deregulation, and no two states have held more symbolic positions in that debate than Pennsylvania and California -- the alpha and omega of electric restructuring.