Insurance

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 />

Mixing Profit and Policy And Stirring Concern

January 29, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>The chief executive responded knowingly this past week to an array of detailed business questions</p>

Net auction draws a lot of looks, no offers yet

January 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Bush extends for two weeks orders ensuring surplus power</h3><p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>California's attempt to beat down power prices through a huge Internet auction drew lots of cyber-lookers but no takers yesterday.</p>

Dim prospects for more help Power industry leaders are Bush allies

January 24, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Some of the same power producers who have profited handsomely from California's energy debacle are key contributors to and philosophical allies of President Bush.</p>

GOVERNOR HOPES PLAN HAS ENERGY

January 16, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Hoping to keep California lighted, save the utilities and hold down rates, Gov. Gray Davis worked through the holiday Monday on an energy plan for state Assembly consideration today.</p>

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Edison CEO’s Statements on Deregulation

January 15, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>Despite an advertising campaign to hide its role in creating California's utility deregulation fiasco, the public statements of Edison's CEO clarify the company's true role and interest in deregulation.</p>

Watchdog Irate Over Plan to Pay Regulator’s Bills

January 12, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>A consumer watchdog group said yesterday that it was outraged that the state plans to pay the legal bills for one of its top utility regulators, who faces a lawsuit to remove him from office for violating conflict-of-interest laws.</p>

Consumer group miffed at bill payments to PUC commissioner

January 11, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>A consumer rights group is miffed that the state is paying the legal bills of Public Utilities Commission member Henry Duque after he was sued over investments he made in a company the panel oversees.</p>

WAYS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR CARE THIS YEAR

January 8, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Bob Rosenblatt</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The New Year brings more weapons to the arsenal of consumers as they fight to make their way successfully through the increasingly complicated world of health insurance.</p>

Consumer uprising doesn’t seem likely

January 5, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Observers say the 9 percent increase in electricity rates won't spark widespread outrage.</h3><p class="source">Orange County Register</p> <p>When state regulators hiked electricity rates Thursday, consumer groups declared that the "ratepayer revolt begins today.''</p>

CIVIL LITIGATION

January 2, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Insurance 'Redlining' Upheld by 1st DCA</h3><p class="source">Daily Journal</p> <p>Controversial state regulations allowing auto insurance companies to base premiums largely on where drivers live have won approval from a state appellate court. A panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal unanimously concluded Friday that the 198</p>

INSURANCE DEPT. REVAMPING TO BETTER HANDLE COMPLAINTS

January 1, 2001  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>EASIER GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES AND INCREASED STAFF ARE IN PLACE, BUT QUESTION REMAINS ABOUT IMPROVED SERVICE.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>After years of neglect, angry consumers are finally being heard at the state Department of Insurance.</p>