Energy

Energy-related ballot initiative is drawn up

July 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Amid higher utility rates, the threat of rolling blackouts and legislative indecision on how to solve California's energy problems, there is one proposal to get voters involved.</p>

Power scramble feels like deja vu

July 21, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Many fear a special session to fix deregulation will repeat '96 disaster that created it.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register</p> <p>The frenzy and confusion in the Legislature surrounding a multibillion-dollar bailout for Southern California Edison reminds veteran lawmakers, staff and lobbyists of the 1996 battle over deregulation</p>

Golden state goes from cuts to surplus

July 20, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Times (London)</p> <p>California has new energy troubles -a surplus. After weeks of blackouts because of power shortages this year, the state is now selling surplus energy at a loss.</p>

Edison May Avert Bankruptcy Filing

July 20, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Thanks to a rate increase and natural gas price drop, the utility's improved cash flow may cover its electricity costs.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>For the first time in months, Southern California Edison is collecting more money than it is spending on electricity, a shift that could enable the utility to avoid bankruptcy</p>

PUC reveals plan to transfer much of watchdog role

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>The California Public Utilities Commission laid out a framework yesterday for transferring much of its watchdog role in ensuring fair electricity rates to the state Department of Water Resources.</p>

PUC reveals plan to transfer much of watchdog role

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Diego Union Tribune</p> <p>The California Public Utilities Commission laid out a framework yesterday for transferring much of its watchdog role in ensuring fair electricity rates to the state Department of Water Resources.</p>

PUC May Cede Control Over Electricity Rates

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Chief says letting the state water agency set prices would ensure that ratepayers cover costs. Others say plan would leave public unprotected.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>California's chief utility regulator proposed Wednesday to provide rubber-stamp approvals of any future electricity rate increases that state power buyers find necessary.</p>

California’s New Problem: Sudden Surplus of Energy

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>After months of warnings about power shortages and forced blackouts, an unusually cool July and surprisingly effective conservation efforts have put California in a stunning position</p>

California Regulators Issue Proposal to Deal with Power Crisis

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>The state would have unfettered access to proceeds from electricity bills and lock itself into the business of buying electricity for 15 years or more under a proposal released Wednesday by the state's top utility regulator.</p>

California Energy Regulators Give Up Power to Question Rate Hikes

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>State energy regulators have reluctantly signed away one of their most fundamental consumer protection roles: the right to question and reject requests for higher power rates.</p>

Assembly panel OKs two bills to help Southern California Edison

July 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Two sharply contrasting plans to prevent debt-ridden Southern California Edison from being dragged into bankruptcy cleared a key Assembly committee last night, but a third measure stalled in the Senate.</p>

Bailout Watch #59 – Jul 18, 2001

July 18, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #59 - Jul 18, 2001<br/> <br/> Get Your Buckets Ready; It's Bailout Time!</strong> Lawmakers in Sacramento are falling over...</strong>