Energy

PUC conflict case off to rocky start

August 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Judge says court lacks authority to boot commissioner</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>A San Francisco Superior Court judge yesterday rejected a watchdog group's request to oust a state utility commissioner for investing roughly $27,000 in a mobile-phone company his agency helps regulate.</p>

Californians should reject utility bailout

August 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Term-limited California legislators often behave as if history began six years ago. But statehouse politicians who are being strong-armed this week by Gov. Gray Davis and Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg to support a $7 billion public bailout of Southern</p>

State Power Authority to Take Energy Reins Today

August 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Agency has $5 billion to spend and broad discretion. Critics say it's unnecessary.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>When Chairman S. David Freeman gavels the new state Public Power Authority into session today, he will launch an agency that is the centerpiece of California's plan to tame its volatile electricity market.</p>

Governor, Legislators Agree On Scaled-Down SCE Rescue Package

August 23, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Energy Daily</p> <p>California Gov. Gray Davis and leaders of the California Assembly late Tuesday approved the rough outlines of a deal aimed at keeping Southern California Edison out of bankruptcy, but the proposal has been blasted by state consumer groups as a bail-out.</p>

Scaled-Back Edison Bailout Plan Emerges

August 22, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Possible deal to keep the company afloat would not cover all of its debts. Passage is still iffy.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The rough outlines of a possible deal to keep Southern California Edison out of bankruptcy began to emerge Tuesday as Gov. Gray Davis made a personal plea for lawmakers to approve a scaled-back bailout plan and company officials backed away from opposing</p>

Little Progress Is Made in Fixing California Electricity Crisis

August 22, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>The quest for billions of dollars to restore stability to California's troubled electricity industry continued on several fronts Tuesday but at the end of the day there was little visible progress toward ending the year-long crisis.</p>

Davis backs Edison rescue plan

August 22, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The $2.9 billion proposal draws fire from many sides.</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis and Assembly Democratic leaders reached agreement Tuesday on a $2.9 billion rescue plan for the state's second-largest utility, but the pact was immediately blasted by business, consumer and other critics.</p>

The Coming Showdown at the Ballot Box

August 21, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>The Showdown isn't inevitable: sensible lawmakers (or those merely concerned about self-preservation) will vote against any bailout that requires residential and small business ratepayers to pay one more penny to rescue the utilities' executives and shareholders from their irresponsible and reckless conduct. They will also support SB 2X 18, Senate President John Burton's bill to ensure that energy deals are open to public scrutiny and regulatory oversight, as the state constitution requires. But if worst comes to worst -- we're ready. Buckle your seat belts.</p>

Bailout Watch #68 – Aug 21, 2001

August 21, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #68 - Aug 21, 2001<br/> <br/> Back in the Sac. </strong>With three weeks left in this year's legislative session, we've entered the...

The Coming Showdown at the Ballot Box

August 21, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>One fundamental rule about Sacramento lawmaking that has not changed it's the power of the special interests. That's why we at FTCR are in the final stages of preparing for the Mother of All Ballot Wars next year.</p>

Consumer advocates vow initiative if Edison bailed out

August 21, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>A vocal consumers rights group has teamed up with a consultant from the successful 1978 property tax revolt initiative to try to roll back any bailout of electric utilities approved by the state Legislature.</p>

Bailout Watch #67 – Aug 17, 2001

August 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #67 - Aug 17, 2001<br/> <br/> From Regulator to Regulated in two easy steps.</strong> First, use your high-power government job to allow...