Energy

Record $344.3 million spent lobbying Legislature, agencies

July 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>Spending to lobby the Legislature and state regulators jumped nearly 18 percent to a record $344.3 million over the two-year period ending last Dec. 31, the secretary of state's office said.</p>

Power refunds likely to fall into many hands before consumers’

July 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Even if federal regulators agree to the multibillion-dollar refund that California officials are demanding from electricity suppliers, consumers shouldn't count on getting a fat check in the mail any time soon.</p>

Crucial debate begins over Edison’s financial future

July 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Divided legislators began grappling Tuesday with competing proposals to keep one of California's largest private utilities, Southern California Edison, from going bankrupt.</p>

Municipal power firms cleaned up

July 16, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Public producers charged state far more than private</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>From the start of the state's energy meltdown, Gov. Gray Davis and many lawmakers have cast private out-of-state energy companies -- especially those in Texas -- as pirates plundering California's economy.</p>

DID DAVIS ‘FIDDLE’ AMID FUEL CRISIS?

July 16, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>To Gov. Gray Davis, commander in chief of California's energy war, the enemy lies bunkered in out-of-state power companies that ripped off $8.9 billion in overcharges.</p>

California Consumers Unlikely to Benefit Much from Any Energy Refund

July 16, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>Even if federal regulators agree to the multibillion-dollar refund that California officials are demanding from electricity suppliers, consumers shouldn't count on getting a fat check in the mail any time soon.</p>

Williams defends energy profits

July 15, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Oklahoma company blamed for California problems</h3><p class="source">THE SUNDAY OKLAHOMAN</p> <p>Anthony Spano doesn't blame out-of-state energy companies, like Tulsa-based Williams Cos. Inc., for reaping huge profits on the electricity they sell in his home state of California.</p>

Bailout Watch #58 – Jul 11, 2001

July 11, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #58 - Jul 11, 2001<br/> <br/> FERC-gotten.</strong> The Federal bureaucrat in charge of mediating a settlement between the State of...

Some calling energy baselines unfair

July 8, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>The state's method of setting "baseline" power levels - a key ingredient in distributing rate hikes - is being criticized as unfair by consumer advocates and some customers.</p>

PAYING THE ENERGY BILL

July 8, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Crying Foul Over Energy Baselines</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Down by the sea in Santa Monica, a month of electricity can cost a mere $2.32 with a bit of determination, a tiny home and energy-efficient appliances.</p>

PR firm wins role in PG&E bankruptcy

July 7, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>The public relations gurus behind California's anti-smoking campaign have signed on a major new client -- the committee representing Pacific Gas & Electric Co.'s tens of thousands of creditors.</p>

PG&E creditors look to hire high-profile public relations firm

July 7, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>The committee representing the companies that Pacific Gas & Electric owes billions of dollars is looking to hire one of the most influential public relations firms in the state.</p>