Energy

Power crisis sheds light on lobbying process

February 19, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Utilities' donations raise questions of intent</h3><p class="source">Ventura County Star</p> <p>As California's energy crisis approached, the owners of electricity-generating plants and their affiliated organizations began seeking political power in the Golden State</p>

Taxpayer, ratepayer costs spiral in California energy crunch

February 18, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>Negotiations were to begin Monday on Gov. Gray Davis' multibillion dollar proposal to rescue two utilities from the brink of bankruptcy, in part by buying thousands of miles of electricity transmission lines.</p>

Light bill: $2 million per hour

February 18, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Keep your eyes on the money. The numbers are staggering.</p>

San Francisco-Based Utility Rejects California Governor’s Power Plan

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>Troubled PG&E turned a cold shoulder to a plan unveiled by Gov. Gray Davis Friday that proposes buying its transmission lines</p>

Plan to Stabilize Utilities Is Outlined in California

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis sketched the broad outlines today of a multibillion-dollar plan to stabilize California's nearly bankrupt electric utilities by buying their transmission lines</p>

Davis’ plan stirs talk of higher rates

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Critics of the proposed utility bailout say consumers will have to be billed more to cover bonds.</h3><p class="source">The Orange County Register</p> <p>A hefty electricity rate hike for consumers would be unavoidable under Gov. Gray Davis' plan to bail out California's cash-strapped utilities</p>

Davis outlines plan to rescue ailing utilities

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Grid purchase, bonds key to proposal; PG&E objects</h3><p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis proposed a plan yesterday to rescue nearly bankrupt utilities by buying their transmission grids and letting them use part of their current rates to finance bonds to pay off their huge debts.</p>

Davis offers way to rescue state utilities

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Republicans and consumer advocates assail the plan, saying it invites higher retail rates in the future.</h3><p class="source">THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE (RIVERSIDE, CA.)</p> <p>California's collapsing electric utilities would "go back in business and keep the lights on" under a rescue plan Gov. Davis proposed Friday.</p>

Davis Discloses Plan to Purchase Power Lines From Utilities

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>In the long run, utilities likely to benefit at expense of ratepayers</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>So, will it work? Not even Gov. Gray Davis seems to know for sure whether his plan to rescue California's cash-poor utilities will leave consumers holding the bag.</p>

Davis Discloses Plan to Purchase Power Lines From Utilities

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Lawsuits must be dropped, parent firms must return billions</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis took the first baby steps yesterday in negotiations with utilities that could leave California with ownership of a huge part of the power system and customers with the prospect of higher rates.</p>

ACCORD NEARER ON SALE OF POWER GRID TO STATE, GOVERNOR SAYS

February 17, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>DAVIS REPORTS TWO OF THREE FIRMS ARE AGREEABLE TO DEAL. BUT SOME UTILITY OFFICIALS REMAIN SHARPLY CRITICAL OF PLAN.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Proclaiming that efforts to rescue the state's utilities are reaching a new level, Gov. Gray Davis said Friday that two of the three companies are willing to negotiate</p>

Governor Readies Utility Blueprint

February 16, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Parent firms would help defray price increases</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Gov. Gray Davis is expected to unveil a rescue plan today for California's near-bankrupt utilities that includes buying their transmission lines</p>