Energy

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>

Davis’ PUC pick jolts consumer activists

March 6, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>In a move that sent angry consumer activists racing for their fax machines, Gov. Gray Davis named former Southern California Edison President Michael Peevey to the state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday.</p>

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

March 4, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>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</p>

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

March 3, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Boston Globe</p> <p>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,</p>

Edison sends creditors $5.5 billion to repay debts

March 1, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press State & Local Wire</p> <p>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.</p>

Dereg Dead [according to US foundation]

February 28, 2002  ·  Doug Heller

<p class="source">Electrical Business Magazine</p> <p>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.</p>

Insurance Commissioner Race Draws Diverse Supporters

February 27, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">California Workers Comp Advisor</p> <p>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.</p>

Move to void power pacts could backfire

February 26, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Financier warns attempt may feed market uncertainty and cost consumers</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>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.</p>

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

Calif. Wants Cheaper Power Contracts

February 25, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>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.</p>

SDG&E able to escape a rate boost

February 22, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>PUC action, shrinking bill help avert increase</h3><p class="source">San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>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</p>