Energy

Bailout Watch #1 – Feb 05, 2001

February 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> The whole world is watching</strong><br/> <br/> Last time, no one was watching. This time, the whole world is watching. Last time, state legislators...

Fact Sheet: The Utilities File Frivolous Lawsuits to Raise Rates

February 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>As part of the deregulation deal enacted by the California Legislature in 1996, California's utility companies -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co., Southern California Edison and Dan Diego Gas and Electric - insisted that residential and small business electric</p>

Lights on at home, but not at end of tunnel

February 3, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>California's $10 billion gamble to plunge into the energy-buying business was greeted at the Capitol with hugs, back slapping and plaudits from the governor.</p>

Feds say power plant shutdowns not plot to boost prices

February 3, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Federal regulators say California's record run of power plant shutdowns was legitimate and not an attempt to raise prices.</p>

AUDIT FINDS NO ORCHESTRATION OF HIKES

February 3, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A FEDERAL AGENCY SAYS PLANTS WEREN'T CLOSED TO DRIVE PRICES UP. REACTIONS OF DAVIS, OTHERS ARE SKEPTICAL.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Maintenance shutdowns that took some California power plants offline late last year were not orchestrated to raise prices, according to an audit by a federal regulatory agency.</p>

California Lawmakers Pass Energy Plan

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<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>

Calif. lawmakers work to minimize ratepayer hit in power crisis solution

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Retail Services Report</p> <p>Despite earlier official vows that ratepayers would not have to foot the bill for expensive power in California, legislators in Sacramento this week were hammering out a scheme</p>

Calif. Governor Signs Power Plan

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>State to Buy Electricity Directly From Suppliers</h3><p class="source">The Washington Post</p> <p>California lawmakers today reluctantly approved a $ 10 billion plan that authorizes the state to try to solve its dire energy crisis by buying much of the electrical power it needs directly from suppliers for the next decade.</p>

CALIFORNIA’S GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO KEEP THE STATE IN THE ENERGY BUSINESS

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">National Public Radio MORNING EDITION</p> <p>The state of California soon will become one of the biggest electric power brokers in the nation. Democratic Governor Gray Davis has signed legislation that will keep the state in the power business</p>

STATE APPROVES BOND SALE TO PAY FOR POWER

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>AFTER LEGISLATIVE BATTLE, DAVIS SIGNS BILL THAT WILL RAISE UP TO $10 BILLION AND COULD HIKE RATES. HE ALSO ORDERS RETAILERS TO CUT OUTDOOR LIGHTING OR FACE FINE</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Bowing to the grim realities of California's energy crisis, Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation Thursday that authorizes the state to sell up to $ 10 billion in bonds--about $ 300 of debt for every person in the state--to buy electricity that private utili</p>

PRIVATE POWER PRODUCERS INCREASE POLITICAL DONATIONS

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>ENERGY COMPANIES STEP UP CONTRIBUTIONS, WHILE FLOW FROM UTILITIES DWINDLES.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As cash-strapped utilities curtail campaign donations to California lawmakers, privately owned power producers appear ready to pick up at least some of the slack.</p>