Insurance

Bailout Watch #7 – Feb 13, 2001

February 14, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH:  Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #7 - Feb 13, 2001<br/> <br/> Bluff Called.</strong><br/> <br/> Monday, a federal court in Los Angeles rejected Edison's request...

Growing valley guzzling power at high speeds

February 13, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>As California struggles with its chronic power shortage, Silicon Valley's unquenchable thirst for electrons is boosting maximum power use</p>

CALIFORNIA’S DEREGULATION DISASTER.

February 12, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Nation</p> <p>Blackouts, brownouts and soaring electricity rates have defined the political landscape of California since last spring. They've transformed the phrase "utility deregulation" into a household epithet.</p>

Petition for Review–Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation et al. v. Quackenbush

February 7, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>Read the Proposition 103 Enforcement Project's Petition to the California Supreme Court to hear case to end insurers' practices of basing auto premiums primarily on ZIP code</p>

Letter to President Bush

February 7, 2001  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>Re: The Bushwhacking of America</h3> <p>Your actions this week, to undermine a bi-partisan compromise for a patients' bill of rights, contradict your campaign pledges to the American public about HMO reform.</p>

Fact Sheet: Getting Stock Warrants in Exchange for a Ratepayer Bailout

February 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>Some state officials believe a multi-billion dollar ratepayer bailout of Edison and PG&E is necessary. FTCR and other consumer groups are adamantly opposed to another utility bailout.</p>

LOW-INCOME INSURANCE PROGRAM TESTED ON WEST COAST

February 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Chicago Tribune</p> <p>California is experimenting with a plan to reduce the number of uninsured motorists by lowering premiums in Los Angeles and San Francisco.</p>

Fact Sheet: Legislation to Let State Buy Electricity for Utility Companies – Impact on Ratepayers

February 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>The passage of AB1X on Thursday, February 1, is an unprecedented event in our state's history. Governor Davis and the California Legislature have placed the state, and its taxpayers, in the electricity supply business</p>

COURT ASKED TO UPHOLD ZIP CODE-BASED RATES

February 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Insurance Commissioner Harry Low has asked the California Supreme Court to uphold regulations that allow auto insurers to use ZIP Codes when determining rates.</p>

Ruling: Calif. Auto Insurers Can Set Rates by Region

February 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Best's Review</p> <p>The 1st District Court of Appeal in San Francisco has reversed a 1998 trial-court ruling that said insurers shouldn't base automobile insurance premiums on where car owners live and drive.</p>

LEGISLATORS NEAR VOTE ON RAISING ELECTRICITY RATES

January 30, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>WALL STREET'S VIEW OF UTILITIES IMPROVES. CHENEY IS NAMED TO HEAD TASK FORCE ON CRISIS. AUDIT FINDS THAT IN RECENT PERIOD, EDISON TRANSFERRED $4.8 BILLION TO P</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>As state lawmakers on Monday dived into the politically turbulent waters of electricity rate hikes, Wall Street threw a lifeline to California's sinking utilities, saying they appear to have survived their brush with bankruptcy and are worthy of investmen</p>

Power Player: Crisis puts consumer advocate back in spotlight

January 29, 2001  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

<p> Doors are opening wider now for consumer advocate Harvey Rosenfield. That happens when time and circumstances turn you into a prophet.<br /> <br /> In 1997, soon after energy was deregulated in California, Rosenfield and his Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights started making noise.<br /> <br /> This is a bad idea, they said. It's corporate welfare. It leaves the public vulnerable to rip-offs and price manipulations.<br /> <br />