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Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
California Lawmakers Pass Energy Plan

California Lawmakers Pass Energy Plan

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>With deadlines looming and electricity at dangerously low levels for a 17th straight day, the California State Legislature narrowly approved a $10 billion plan today to let the state buy power through long-term contracts</p>
Calif. to begin buying, selling power

Calif. to begin buying, selling power

<h3>Step triggers fears of high utility bills</h3><p class="source">USA TODAY</p> <p>California officially entered the power business Thursday when Gov. Gray Davis signed a $ 10 billion package that even supporters called a poor answer to the state's escalating energy crisis.</p>
California Utility Execs Sell Stock

California Utility Execs Sell Stock

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>Four California utility executives sold small stakes in their companies last year before management began issuing dire bankruptcy warnings that contributed to a steep decline in the stocks.</p>
Calif. enters power business

Calif. enters power business

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>With a flick of the wrist, Gov. Gray Davis on Thursday plunged California deep into the power-buying business by signing the first major piece of legislation aimed at taming the state's haywire electricity market.</p>
Small Consumer Rate Protection

Small Consumer Rate Protection

<h3>Consumer Groups' Proposal for Electricity Re-Regulation</h3> <p>California Senate Bill 18X (2001) would require utilities to sell energy to residential ratepayers, small businesses, family farms and light industry at a regulated price.</p>
Calif. uses more public money to buy power

Calif. uses more public money to buy power

<p class="source">USA TODAY</p> <p>California stumbled through its 15th straight day of critical power shortages Tuesday as Gov. Gray Davis reopened state coffers to keep spending nearly $ 40 million a day to keep the lights on.</p>
Audits Fuel Debate on Curbing California Power Shortage

Audits Fuel Debate on Curbing California Power Shortage

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>When California's Public Utilities Commission called for independent audits of the state's two largest utilities last month, the results were supposed to determine whether the utilities were justified in asking for rate increases of up to 30 percent</p>