Energy

Feds want surcharge to pay utilities’ debts

January 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Additional rate boost likely, cash would go to power suppliers</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Federal energy regulators have proposed a surcharge on wholesale electricity sales in California to compensate generating companies, angering state officials who say the idea amounts to gouging consumers.</p>

Edison rescue won’t require sale of lines

January 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>A key Assembly committee voted Monday night to support acquiring a five-year option to purchase Southern California Edison's transmission lines at double their book value as part of a $2.9 billion state rescue plan.</p>

Consumer groups wary of new player

January 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>They fear it may saddle taxpayers with more debt</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Consumer watchdog groups that have long bird-dogged the utilities on behalf of ratepayers are facing mounting challenges, and it's not only because of the power crisis.</p>

Californians fault Bush energy proposal

January 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>Many Californians, struggling with sharply higher gasoline prices and rising electricity rates, found little comfort in President Bush's national energy plan released Thursday.</p>

Legislators to tackle utility crisis

December 31, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>They insist gifts from industry won't sway them</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>When the state Legislature begins its new session in earnest this week, the utility companies and electricity generators at odds over the state's power woes will be familiar faces at the Capitol</p>

NATURAL GAS SUPPLIERS ARE REFUSING TO SELL TO PG&E

December 30, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>UTILITY SAYS THE COMPANIES FEAR IT MAY NOT HAVE MONEY FOR FUTURE CONTRACTS. IT IS ASKING STATE FOR RATE HIKES.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>More than 15 natural gas suppliers are refusing to sell gas to cash-squeezed Pacific Gas & Electric beyond their current contracts for fear they won't be paid, the utility said Friday</p>

Utilities, consumers, governor ponder looming rate hike

December 29, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>State regulators have given electrical utilities extra time to show their financial hardship merits a significant rate hike for 24 million Californians.</p>

Nader, utilities clash at PUC: Power firms seek double-digit hikes

December 29, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Sacramento Bee</p> <p>SAN FRANCISCO -- With national focus on California's electricity crisis growing, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. began notifying customers that it wants to boost their electric bills up to 40 percent by the end of 2001.</p>

Let debt-ridden utilities go bankrupt, says Nader

December 29, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>PG&E aide labels idea irresponsible</h3><p class="source">San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>SAN FRANCISCO -- Consumer activist Ralph Nader stepped into the battle over California's failed electrical deregulation yesterday, urging the state to allow Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison to go bankrupt.</p>

Edison seeks 30% rate hike: “In order to keep the lights on, we need more cash,” a utility lawyer tells the PUC.

December 28, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE (RIVERSIDE, CA.)</p> <p>Southern California Edison pleaded for a 30 percent rate hike Wednesday, warning of rotating blackouts and possible bankruptcy if it doesn't receive a quick infusion of cash.</p>

ELECTRIC UTILITIES SEEK UP TO 30% RATE HIKE

December 28, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>EDISON AND PG&E PRESS FOR INCREASE AS THE PUC OPENS HEARINGS. CONSUMER GROUPS SAY COMPANIES GAMBLED WITH DEREGULATION AND SHOULD PAY THE PRICE.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>California's two biggest public utilities began pressing their case Wednesday for electricity rate hikes of up to 30%, the costly legacy of their ill-starred plunge into deregulation.</p>

CALIFORNIA UTILITIES FACE BANKRUPTCY

December 28, 2000  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">MARKETPLACE</p> <p>California regulators today considered whether to lift rate caps on electric bills that were a condition of deregulation of the power industry in the state.</p>