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Cox Releases Low Cost Cable Package Sans ESPN

Recently, Cox released a lower-cost cable package that, surprisingly, does not include ESPN. For those sports lovers out there, ESPN is a must-have. However, for those people who spend their time watching other stations like the Travel Channel or Food Network, ESPN is an unnecessary channel. As it turns out, ESPN is one of the most expensive cable channels that cable companies offer to its customers. Does Cox’s unbundling of this expensive channel mean that it is finally moving towards an a la carte pricing method? Read more after the jump.

Smart Meter Opt Out - UPDATED

UPDATED 1/4/2012 - SDG&E has filed a proposed opt out policy for the CPUC to review. You can review the document yourself, but the cliff notes are that SDG&E is suggesting removing the wireless signal on existing meters and allowing a manual read each month. This cost will be passed on to consumers who want to opt out.

Caller ID Problems - Thanks to the FCC, no longer as scary as a ghost

Spoof? I AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOST! Oh, you said spoof, not spook. As in caller ID spoofing? Well, I guess I had been afraid of spoofing in the past. But with the new enforcement rules laid down by the FCC, spoofing isn't as scary as it used to be. Read more after the jump

How To Change Your SDG&E Billing Date

Does your SDG&E bill date fall on an inconvenient time? A few days before pay day when it would be so much easier if it was a few days after pay day? Here's a quick tip: you can actually change your SDG&E billing date without incurring any late fees.

Verizon Wireless Now Logging Websites You Visit

If you are a Verizon Wireless customer, chances are you recently received an email from Big Red discussing changes to its privacy policy. Most of you may have just deleted the email without reading it, but if you took the time to see just what changed you'd be in for a big surprise.

Keep an eye out for double water bills

Don't be alarmed if you see a high number on your water bill this month.  Due to an "internal error" inside the water department, some July bills were not sent out as scheduled.  This was about the time they switched to the new billing system so I'm assuming they experienced some glitches.

Water Pricing Forum on Oct. 6th

UCAN, Surfrider, Coastkeeper, and other environmental organizations have joined up to provide the public with an informative forum on water pricing. The event takes place at 2508 Historic Decatur Rd. Suite 200 at 6:30pm on Oct. 6th.

How To Read Your City of San Diego Water Bill - Why is my bill so high?

Meet the four horsemen of  the City of San Diego's Water Bills
With the most current round of UCAN's inserts in the City of San Diego water bills, our phones have been lighting up like the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. One thing we've noticed is that many people do not know how to read their water bill. The callers can definitely see how expensive their water bill is each month, but they don't know what each line item represents. We can help break though all the confusion, but we have to warn you that you can't unsee the horrors that are the Four Horsemen of the Water Bill.

How well does your phone hold up in an emergency?

Our recent blackout has brought to light how much of our communication relies on our personal power systems.  Some UCAN members that thought their phones would suffice during a blackout found themselves without a dial tone.  Let’s rate your blackout communication options and examine how they are affected by a blackout:



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