Energy

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>

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>

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>

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>