Energy

PUC stalls decision on rate boost

May 15, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Consumer group says big business to benefit</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>State regulators yesterday delayed until this afternoon a vote on the most sweeping electricity rate increase in California history so they could reduce the effect on heavyweight corporate customers.</p>

Local leader blasts FTC investigation

May 14, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Las Vegas Business Press</p> <p>News of the Federal Trade Commission exonerating oil companies against charges of violating antitrust laws and collusion in several Western states didn't Surprise one local official who participated in the three-year investigation.</p>

ARGUMENTS

May 13, 2001  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

<h3>Who can keep California turned on?</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Two energy-policy experts agree that the status quo is a disaster, but they differ on how to fix it. In this e-mail debate, Harvey Rosenfield says the state should take over, while Adrian Moore thinks the free market can do a better job.</p>

Plants closed for maintenance more than before power crisis

May 12, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>The frequency of temporary closures of California power plants for maintenance and repairs has increased as much as four times since electricity prices began to rise last summer.</p>

Plant Shutdowns Tied to Power Costs

May 12, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Generators insist maintenance was needed. State contends firms created false shortage.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Since the moment electricity prices began to soar in May 2000, California power plants have been shutting down--purportedly for repairs and maintenance--at rates two, three and four times higher than before, according to figures made public by the state E</p>

Fight the Power

May 11, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Bond Buyer</p> <p>A consumer watchdog group in California is considering collecting signatures to put legislation authorizing the state's multibillion-dollar power bond issuance to a voter referendum.</p>

Bailout Watch #41 – May 10, 2001

May 10, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #41 - May 10, 2001<br/> <br/> Look Ma, no blackouts. It's uncanny! </strong>Every time the wholesale energy gougers are...</strong>

Rate Hikes Up to 60% Proposed by PUC Chief

May 10, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Lynch says about half the residential customers of Edison, PG&E would escape increases. Her plan draws fire from all sides.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>About 4 million California residential electricity customers will face increases in their monthly bills of up to about 60% under a proposal unveiled Wednesday by the state's chief utility regulator.</p>

Power bills set to skyrocket for heavy users

May 10, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Graduated rate increase would take effect in June</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>As state regulators outlined plans to raise residential electricity bills by as much as 40 percent, the head of the Public Utilities Commission warned yesterday that power rates could soar even higher.</p>

Power Talks

May 9, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer</p> <p>JIM LEHRER: Finally tonight, a California power update, Spencer Michels reports.</p>

ISO caught short by off-line plants and breakdowns

May 9, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Ah, the glorious change of seasons in the deregulated electricity business. Supplies are tight, the lights flicker, and electricity costs go through the roof.</p>

As gas prices soar, angry accusations fly

May 9, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Consumers suspicious; industry says it can't control pump costs</h3><p class="source">Minneapolis Star Tribune</p> <p>Gas prices shoot through the roof, so the duet begins anew. First verse: Consumer advocates and oil industry critics scream about collusion, price gouging and obscene profits.</p>