Responding to the Stage 2 alert of electricity shortages and the threat of blackouts in California, Consumers Union and the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights issued the following statement:

“California cannot afford to be at the mercy of the private power industry that is threatening blackouts while rolling in profits. It is imperative that the state commits to buying, building and operating reserve electricity generation plants with the capacity to protect the health, safety and welfare and economic viability of California. Governor Davis and the Legislature must now make a public commitment to act immediately to implement this plan. California residents and businesses must be told that the buck-passing has stopped and a concrete solution is promised.”

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For more information about electricity deregulation:

Read Consumer Union’s November 30, 2000 report.

FTCR is on the web at: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org