State´s Power Rates Still High

Californians´ energy woes are not over. In an update on the status of the state€™s power market, testimony from California€™s energy czar and other authorities suggested there might be a shortage of power supplies again in four years. According to yesterday´s testimony to the Senate Energy Utilities and Communications Committee, California€™s rates are still very high – even after two years of reform. Californians have spent up to $3 billion every year for electricity since the state tried to deregulate the market. The committee chairman said the rates are 52 percent to 70 percent higher than those in Arizona.

The chairman of the state public power authority asked the Public Utilities Commission to order Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric and San Diego Gas and Electric to sign long-term contracts for power so they are not caught short.