Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.

Power firms amp up lobbying

July 31, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Edison spends $5.5 million to gain support for bailout to prevent bankruptcy.</h3>The Orange County Register Edison International has spent more than $5.5 million this year to enlist residents and stockholders to lobby the Legislature to bail out its subsidiary Southern California Edison and save it from bankruptcy, reports released Monday show.

Bailout Watch #61 – Jul 27, 2001

July 27, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians Bailout Watch #61 - Jul 27, 2001 Message to lawmakers: Take your vacation (please). The Legislature's summer recess provides...

California lawmaker enjoys utility’s largesse

July 27, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>makes no apologies for taking contributions</h3>The Associated Press Whenever the Los Angeles Lakers play in Sacramento, state Assemblyman Rod Wright calls around to lobbyists to try to get tickets. Often, Southern California Edison obliges.

Assembly plan allows state to help finance Edison’s new plants

July 27, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

The Associated Press State Assembly members won't meet this week to consider alternatives to Gov. Gray Davis' deal to rescue Southern California Edison, but will continue working on the complex plan to keep the utility from bankruptcy.

State sells surplus electricity at a loss

July 25, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

<h3>BUY HIGH, SELL LOW: $14 million deficit</h3>The San Francisco Chronicle California has lost $14 million during the past three weeks selling surplus electricity back to power generators as mild temperatures and energy conservation slackened demand statewide.

PUC agrees to adjust electric rates if necessary

July 24, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

The Associated Press The California Public Utilities Commission might relinquish its control over electricity rates to the state Department of Water Resources

Energy-related ballot initiative is drawn up

July 24, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

Sacramento Bee 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.

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>The Orange County Register 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

Golden state goes from cuts to surplus

July 20, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

The Times (London) 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.

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>Los Angeles Times 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

PUC reveals plan to transfer much of watchdog role

July 19, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

The San Diego Union-Tribune 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.

PUC reveals plan to transfer much of watchdog role

July 19, 2001 · Consumer Watchdog

San Diego Union Tribune 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.