Energy

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

Tesoro Plan To Buy ARCO Gets More Scrutiny Amid Gas-Price Surge

October 10, 2012 · Consumer Watchdog

Consumer groups gear up to fight the sale of Arco and its Carson refinery to Tesoro, saying it would reduce competition and possibly lead to higher fuel costs. As California gasoline prices set fresh records daily, consumer advocates are gearing up to fight the sale of the low-cost Arco brand and its Carson refinery to a Texas company not known for its cheap fuel.

As Gas Prices Spike to Record High, Consumer Watchdog Urges California Attorney General to Block Tesoro Purchase of BP Refinery and Arco Gas Stations

October 10, 2012 · Consumer Watchdog

California’s drivers and the state economy will pay the price for this merger at the pump. We ask you to halt it on antitrust grounds.

California Gas Prices May Hit Record

October 6, 2012 · Mark Reback

Pump prices soar in California after refinery outages and other problems. Some stations charge more than $5 a gallon, others shut down. Some analysts hope the spike will be short-lived. California drivers are reeling from days of sharp gasoline price increases that left the state within reach of its record high. Economists warn that a prolonged period of elevated gas costs could harm consumers as the holiday shopping season kicks in.

Gas Prices Skyrocket In California

October 6, 2012 · Mark Reback

This week's abrupt spike in California gasoline prices could peak within days, analysts said Friday. But before it does, price records could be broken throughout the state.

Auto Outlook: Robo-Cars Legal In Calif.

September 30, 2012 · Mark Reback

When California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill to regulate self-driving vehicles almost no one -- industry watchers or taxpayers -- objected. How times have changed from the late-1970s when Brown was given the nickname "Governor Moonbeam" for promoting such futuristic ideas as California launching its own satellites. Brown, 74, was just 36 when he was first elected governor of California.

No Deception In Selling ‘Hot Fuel,’ Jury Says

September 24, 2012 · Mark Reback

Price at the pump - Verdict is a victory for gas retailers Lawsuits shed light on practice, which some say misinforms consumers. Selling “hot fuel” — gasoline that isn’t adjusted for its temperature — does not violate the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, a federal jury in Kansas City, Kan., said Monday.

White House May Try Cybersecurity End Run

September 21, 2012 · Mark Reback

In the wake of Congress' failed attempt to pass a cybersecurity bill this summer, the White House has been working on an executive order to fill the gap. The order is aimed at protecting the nation's critical infrastructure from harm. It might not be enough, however. Democrats in Congress continue to try to drum up support for some government action on the matter.

Gas Costs More – In Absence Of Shortage

August 17, 2012 · Mark Reback

Gas prices in California remain significantly higher than they were prior to the Aug. 6 fire at Chevron's Richmond oil refinery - despite the fact that the blaze didn't impact gasoline production in the state as initially feared. In fact, the state's refineries churned out more gasoline last week than they did the week before the fire, not less.

Despite Falling Oil Cost, California Gas Prices Soar In Refinery Fire’s Wake

August 14, 2012 · Mark Reback

Gas prices in California are soaring a week after a fire damaged the Chevron refinery in Richmond, a critical piece of the state's supply chain. Prices at the pump jumped 25.8 cents in the Sacramento area over the past week, to $4 a gallon, according to market tracker GasBuddy.com. In San Francisco, motorists are paying $4.17 a gallon, according to a separate survey by AAA. And it may be only the beginning.

Despite Falling Oil Cost, California Gas Prices Soar In Refinery Fire’s Wake

August 14, 2012 · Mark Reback

Gas prices in California are soaring a week after a fire damaged the Chevron refinery in Richmond, a critical piece of the state's supply chain. Prices at the pump jumped 25.8 cents in the Sacramento area over the past week, to $4 a gallon, according to market tracker GasBuddy.com. In San Francisco, motorists are paying $4.17 a gallon, according to a separate survey by AAA. And it may be only the beginning. "You probably won't see a break until mid- to late September," said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.

Tesoro To Buy Arco Brand, Carson Oil Refinery From BP

August 14, 2012 · Mark Reback

<h3> The $2.5-billion deal would boost Tesoro's West Coast presence and give BP cash it needs. It also would leave Tesoro and Chevron controlling more than half of California's gasoline production.</h3> Texas oil giant Tesoro Corp. said it will spend $2.5 billion to buy a sprawling refinery in Carson and other assets — including the Arco brand — from rival BP. The move would leave most of California's gasoline production in the hands of just two companies: Tesoro and Chevron Corp.

Changes Coming To Evergreen Oil In Newark After Recent Plant Accidents

August 12, 2012 · Mark Reback

NEWARK, CA -- Evergreen Oil has spent months trying to improve its relationship with unhappy neighbors after years of foul odors and a large fire last year that drew citations from regulatory agencies. Those efforts may have been undercut by recent accidents, including an oil leak last month, a small fire in March, and a large explosion and fire 17 months ago that left a plant employee with a broken arm. But the recycling company has some changes in store.