Energy

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

Consumer Group Says Refiners Artificially Keeping California Gas Prices High

June 30, 2015 · Mark Reback

Oil refiners are gouging California motorists by charging branded stations an average of 30 cents more a gallon for gasoline than unbranded stations, a consumer advocacy group said Tuesday.

California Gasoline Exports Blamed for Price Spike at the Pump

June 12, 2015 · Mark Reback

A consumer advocacy group — Consumer Watchdog — is blaming i<a href="http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/Activists-say-record-exports-led-to-higher-6319821.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ncreased gasoline exports from California for the recent spike in pump prices in the state</a>, the Chron$ reports. Oil companies in California set a record for exports late last year, leaving the state with less gasoline — and thus higher prices. Consumer Watchdog is calling on the state to increase regulation of the oil industry.

Consumer Group Alleges Oil Exports Fueled Jump In Calif. Gas Prices

June 11, 2015 · Mark Reback

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Oil companies exported “unprecedented” amounts of gasoline from the West Coast to foreign nations just prior to a huge spike in the price of gasoline in California, a consumer advocacy group said Thursday. Citing information from federal sources, Jamie Court with Consumer Watchdog told reporters the exports came just one month before California experienced a “supply crisis” that raised gasoline prices in California over a dollar above the national average.

Record Exports Led To Higher California Gas Prices, Activists Say

June 10, 2015 · Mark Reback

In December, one month before pump prices started soaring across California, a record amount of gasoline left West Coast refineries, to be sold elsewhere. Exports of finished gasoline from the West Coast hit an abrupt, all-time high of 2.7 million barrels in December, according to federal government data. The export surge came as California gasoline prices slid below $3 per gallon for the first time since 2010.

Shareholders Endorse Google’s Course

June 3, 2015 · Mark Reback

Google shareholders on Wednesday endorsed the course set by the Internet titan, rejecting proposals to dilute its power structure and scrutinize investments in renewable energy. Voting at the California-based company's annual shareholders meeting ended with the recommended slate of board members elected and passage of a company proposal to increase the potential number of C Class shares issued.

Gasoline Price-Gouging Evidence Grows

June 1, 2015 · Mark Reback

Just about two years ago, when gasoline prices in most of California last moved well above the $4-per-gallon level, crude oil cost $147 a barrel. Oil companies said the high price of crude was a major factor in that price spike. This spring, when gas pump prices again jumped above $4 in many places, crude oil fell under $50 per barrel for awhile before recovering a bit to around $60 near the end of May.

Rising Gas Prices Aren’t Putting The Brakes On Car Travel For The Holiday Weekend, AAA Says

May 20, 2015 · Mark Reback

Will rising gas prices put a U-turn in holiday travel plans? Not according to AAA, which expects 37 million Americans to travel during the Memorial Day weekend, the most since 2005. The group expects 2.31 million people in Southern California to hit the road. Driving, AAA says, will be the top choice for travelers nationwide as 9 out of 10 travelers, or 33 million people, will use a vehicle to get to their holiday destination.

Price Gouge A Slick Move By Oil Companies

May 19, 2015 · Mark Reback

<div class="copy-paste-block"> There is absolutely no doubt about a few facts surrounding the gasoline price surge Californians experienced in late winter and early spring. In March, California prices averaged 84 cents per gallon higher than the national average of $2.54 per gallon, rising to $3.38 after a wintertime dip. That meant Californians spent $34 million per day more for their gas that month than they would have in most other places.

Tom Steyer Eyes New Oil Tax And Gas-Price Transparency

May 16, 2015 · Mark Reback

Billionaire Tom Steyer wants to tax extraction and require more transparency ANAHEIM, CA -- Walthy Bay Area environmentalist Tom Steyer, who for weeks has been lambasting oil companies about gasoline prices, said Friday he was exploring another potential cudgel against the industry: ballot measures to tax oil extraction and require more public disclosure on pricing and supply.

Labor Dispute At Tesoro Refinery Boosted Margins -CEO

May 8, 2015 · Mark Reback

May 8 (Reuters) - A 52-day labor strike that led to a shutdown at Tesoro Corp's refinery in Martinez, California, helped boost the company's bottom line last quarter, the company's chief executive said on Friday, prompting cries that the state's gasoline market needs to be reformed.

Gas Prices Rise 3 Weeks Straight. Are You Getting Gouged?

May 6, 2015 · Mark Reback

<h2 class="article-excerpt" itemprop="alternativeHeadline">Gas prices have increased for 21 consecutive days, and a consumer watchdog group says that greedy oil companies are gouging drivers filling up at the pump.</h2>

Refining Profits: How Californians Get Fleeced at the Pump

May 5, 2015 · Cody Rosenfield

This analysis, “Refining Profits,” looks at how oil refiners in California fared over the last decade in their refining operaDons and compared the companies’ refining...