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Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
Peace video defends role in state power crisis

Peace video defends role in state power crisis

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>State Sen. Steve Peace has released a videotape to counter charges that he was an architect of California's energy deregulation and is largely to blame for spiraling utility bills and widespread power shortages in California.</p>
Market lacks utility players

Market lacks utility players

<h3>high-tech firms weigh options</h3><p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Wall Street gave a Bronx cheer to Gov. Gray Davis' energy plan yesterday, as investors pushed California electricity stocks lower and analysts continued to rate utility bonds at just above the junk-bond level.</p>
California generators pressed to cut prices

California generators pressed to cut prices

<h3>Davis threatens to take over plants</h3><p class="source">The Washington Times</p> <p>California Gov. Gray Davis warned power generating companies last night that if the price of electricity in his state does not come down and the supply go up, he might order the state to take over generating facilities.</p>
Reaction to Gov. Gray Davis’ State of the State speech:

Reaction to Gov. Gray Davis’ State of the State speech:

<h3>ON ENERGY</h3><p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>"Governor Davis finally got the message that he needs to be bold in dealing with this energy crisis. He seems to be willing to use the power of the state to stand up to these unregulated power generators that have been choking the state. -- Doug Heller</p>
Utility crisis grows despite rate increase

Utility crisis grows despite rate increase

<h3>California considers power agency</h3><p class="source">The Washington Times</p> <p>LOS ANGELES - Immediate catastrophe was probably avoided in the California power crunch last week when officials allowed the state's two largest electric utilities a 90-day rate increase of 9 percent for residential customers and up to 15 percent for busi</p>