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Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
Enron: The power that was

Enron: The power that was

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>The dramatic fall of Enron Corp., the Houston trading firm that pioneered and profited from increased competition in the electricity and natural gas industries, puts an additional note of discord into California's troubled experiment in deregulation.</p>
Power to the people?

Power to the people?

<h3>As electricity crisis eases, so does push for public ownership</h3><p class="source">San Diego Union Tribune</p> <p>As California slid into the electricity crisis last year, a move toward a publicly owned power system gathered steam as the solution to failed deregulation and runaway prices.</p>
Governor’s greased lighting

Governor’s greased lighting

<h3>Davis criticized for accepting money from power companies</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>After having sworn off campaign contributions from energy companies, Gov. Gray Davis has started taking money from power providers seeking to do business with the state.</p>
Generators Add to Davis Coffers

Generators Add to Davis Coffers

<h3>To critics' dismay, he accepts $50,000 from energy firms, saying they're not on 'gougers list.'</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis accepted $50,000 in campaign donations from power companies in October, after having sworn off raising money from them as the energy crisis worsened earlier this year, campaign finance reports show.</p>
Smaller Rival to Acquire Teetering Enron

Smaller Rival to Acquire Teetering Enron

<h3>Energy giant that pressed for deregulation in California is on the brink of collapse.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Enron Corp., the once-highflying energy giant whose aggressive efforts to profit from California's energy deregulation made it a target of consumer and political backlash, on Friday agreed to be saved from possible financial collapse through a proposed a</p>
Enron in Takeover Talks With Dynegy

Enron in Takeover Talks With Dynegy

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Enron Corp., the troubled energy-trading giant, was in talks Wednesday over a possible takeover by Houston neighbor and rival Dynegy Inc., industry sources said.</p>
Court Halts Southern California Edison Rescue

Court Halts Southern California Edison Rescue

<p class="source">Energy Daily</p> <p>Throwing a wrench in state plans to rescue financially ailing Southern California Edison, an appeals court Tuesday gave consumer groups a reason to cheer by temporarily staying an agreement between the utility and state regulators, sending it back before</p>