Energy

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>

Bailout Watch #39 – May 08, 2001

May 8, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #39 - May 08, 2001<br/> <br/> Oink. </strong>Governor Davis will meet this Wednesday with representatives of some of the most...</p>

In 1st Hearing, PUC Urged to Lift Rate Hike

May 8, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Speakers call on the agency to rescind the increase approved last month. Officials caution that they are focusing on 'who pays and how much.'</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The lights were out to save energy in a Santa Monica hearing room, but the heat was on as consumers and business representatives urged the California Public Utilities Commission on Monday to spread the pain of rate increases fairly</p>

Gas Tabs and Hot Air

May 6, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Washington Times</p> <p>Having just returned to my home in Michigan from a driving trip to the East Coast, it's easy to understand the anger and frustration of motorists contemplating gasoline prices of $2 a gallon or more in many parts of the country.</p>

State Agrees to Buy Power From Sempra

May 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Separately, Edison begins $3-million ad campaign to gain support for deal to sell its transmission grid to California.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Governor Gray Davis announced a $7-billion agreement Friday to buy electricity for 10 years from the most robust of California's utility companies, Sempra Energy, parent of San Diego Gas & Electric Co.</p>

Energy costs rise — pay of execs, too

May 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Generators' CEOs get big raises. Some say they're worthy, others greedy.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register</p> <p>Executives at the largest energy companies selling power into California saw their compensation rise an average of 253 percent last year, with one top executive collecting more than $100 million.</p>

Calif. power grid execs admit to bloated budget

May 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>The non-profit agency that runs most of California's electric grid and sits at the hub of the state's collapsing power system spends far more than any other grid operator in the country on everything from telephones to salaries.</p>

Bailout Watch #37 – May 03, 2001

May 3, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #37 - May 03, 2001<br/> <br/> Remember when we were told that it would cost less than a half-a-billion? </strong>On January 18,...