Consumer Watchdog

Expose. Confront. Change.

Consumer Watchdog

Energy

Energy and utility watchdog coverage — gas prices, oil-industry profits, utility rates, and clean-energy accountability.
POWER CRISIS GENERATES WINDFALL FOR SUPPLIERS

POWER CRISIS GENERATES WINDFALL FOR SUPPLIERS

<h3>A JUMP IN PROFITS IS FORECAST FOR FIRMS THAT PROVIDE THE STATE'S ENERGY. DAVIS SEEKS ADVICE FROM GREENSPAN.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>California's power crisis surged through the political and financial worlds Tuesday as a sharp jump in the profit outlook of major electricity generators supplying California renewed controversy over alleged price gouging on the eve of public hearings to</p>
Irate Californians eye ballot initiative

Irate Californians eye ballot initiative

<p class="source">The Washington Times</p> <p>LOS ANGELES - A rising anger among consumers over California's electric power crunch threatens to boil over into a 2002 ballot initiative that would order the state government to buy most power plants and power lines.</p>
Electricity rate hike debate heats up

Electricity rate hike debate heats up

<p class="source">Riverside Press-Enterprise</p> <p>Utility companies and consumer groups escalated their rhetoric Tuesday as the state Public Utilities Commission prepares to take testimony on electric rate hikes.</p>
A BITTERSWEET OUTCOME

A BITTERSWEET OUTCOME

<h3>HARVEY ROSENFIELD, WHO WARNED AGAINST ELECTRICITY DEREGULATION, SAYS HE HAS BEEN PROVED RIGHT BUT REGRETS THAT IT HAS COME AT SUCH A COST TO THE PUBLIC. STILL H</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As power outages and higher utility bills loom in California, Harvey Rosenfield--the man who unsuccessfully fought electricity deregulation four years ago--doesn't say, "I told you so."</p>
Davis’ ties to utilities energizes power debate

Davis’ ties to utilities energizes power debate

<h3>More than $450,00 has gone to his campaign since 1998; governor denies bias.</h3><p class="source">Ventura County Star</p> <p>SANTA ANA -- California Gov. Gray Davis has taken more than $450,000 in campaign contributions since 1998 from the two utility giants he's negotiating with to help save from possible bankruptcy.</p>
CONSUMERS BITTER AS THEY AWAIT ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKES

CONSUMERS BITTER AS THEY AWAIT ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKES

<h3>MANY PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT THE EFFECTS ON FAMILY FINANCES. ACTIVISTS WARN OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A 'RATEPAYER REBELLION' AS CUSTOMERS FACE POSSIBLE INCREASES OF AT</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As California's energy crisis threatens to boil over, Los Angeles-area consumers facing the likely prospect of higher electricity bills are steaming.</p>
WILL DAVIS ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION?

WILL DAVIS ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION?

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In the throes of an energy crisis, many Californians are worrying about rolling blackouts and power rationing during the holidays. The state's governor, however, must face his own threat: "Grayout.</p>
Politicians try to dodge energy crisis

Politicians try to dodge energy crisis

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>The economic and technological aspects of California's electric power crisis are extremely complicated, but the political scramble now under way among politicians, particularly Gov. Gray Davis, to minimize their exposure, is fairly simple. In fact, if it</p>