Energy

California likely won’t see lower bills, despite end of freeze

March 24, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>When the natural gas and electricity bill arrives each month, Jenny Lovrin splits the cost between herself and five roommates. She used to rip open the envelope and find they owed less than $100. This winter's bills have hit $225, making her cringe.</p>

PUC ruling aids business, could hurt residents

March 22, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Riverside Press-Enterprise</p> <p>Inland companies that bought electricity on the open market last year will be allowed to keep those contracts for cheaper power under a plan approved Thursday by California power regulators. Some lawmakers and consumer advocates criticized the decision,</p>

Centerpiece of deregulation has fallen off the PUC’s table

March 22, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>In a contentious vote, state utility regulators Thursday terminated what was once the centerpiece of California's electricity deregulation plan - a customer's right to choose a power provider - but allowed a loophole through which large customers could</p>

California power regulators continue electricity competition

March 22, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>California power regulators will allow large businesses and institutions with pre-existing contracts to continue to bypass their local utilities and buy cheaper electricity from competing energy sellers, which critics say disregards the intent of a 2001 s</p>

California Attorney General to Challenge Federal Agency over Utility Refunds

March 20, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Opening a new front against electricity suppliers, California's attorney general will today challenge the refusal by federal regulators to consider refunds for overcharges paid by SDG&E customers during the summer of 2000.</p>

PG&E TRIES TO SELL COURT ITS REVISED PLAN; EXECS GET $ 4.6-MILLION IN BONUSES FOR 2001

March 18, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Electric Utility Week</p> <p>Pacific Gas & Electric in an attempt to assuage concerns expressed by a U.S. bankruptcy court in San Francisco that its reorganization plan may not be legally viable, filed a modified plan March 7th, following a decision by Judge Dennis Montali...</p>

PG&E Corp. awards millions in bonuses despite bankruptcy

March 14, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Megawatt Daily</p> <p>Eleven PG&E Corp. executives received more than $ 4.6-million in 2001 bonuses, according to a proxy statement the company issued Wednesday in advance of its April 17 shareholder meeting. The bonuses as well as salary increases and restricted stock awards</p>

Attorney General sues energy concerns alleging double-billing

March 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>The lawsuits say the out-of-state power generators reaped millions by being paid to hold power in emergency reserve but then selling the power instead on the open market.</p>

Energy Lawsuits Imminent, Lockyer Says

March 7, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Electricity: Attorney general says the actions will allege antitrust violations, breach of contract by power producers during crisis.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As he traveled California Wednesday with other leading Democratic officeholders and candidates, Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer said he will soon file major lawsuits against independent energy producers who profited from last year's energy crisis.</p>

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><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>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.</p>

PUC choice draws fire

March 6, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Critics Condemn Davis' Appointment of Energy Insider</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis turned to an energy industry insider Tuesday to fill a vacancy on the state Public Utilities Commission, angering top consumer groups who accused the governor of "making the fox the head of the henhouse."</p>

PG&E earned $1.1 billion last year; Bulk of profit came from its bankrupt utility

March 6, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>PG&E Corp. reported yesterday stunning profit of $1.1 billion for 2001, as a huge increase in electricity rates and a drop in power purchasing costs reversed the fortunes of a company that sent its largest division to bankruptcy court less than one year a</p>