UCAN

UCAN isn't fond of the initiative process as a means of creating complex public policy. So consider this general bias in our evaluation of two energy related initiatives scheduled to appear on the California ballot. The question we are asked is whether people should vote for Proposition 7 or Proposition 10. Our answer is no. Read the following to learn why.

The Utility Consumers’ Action Network (UCAN), Privacy Rights Clearing House (PRC), New Media Rights (NMR) and the San Diego Enviro Leader Network (SDELN) are inviting you to a monthly mixer at their open house!

UNION-TRIBUNE -- California utility companies and consumer groups have reached a tentative agreement to allow electricity rates frozen in 2001 to increase in gradual increments. The increases would be linked to the annual rate of inflation. READ MORE

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Union-Tribune --  As a result of a CPUC decision quietly issued during the summer July doldrums, San Diego residents can expect to pay more for electricity. San Diego Gas and Electric was granted a basic rate increase that will increase residential electric rates by appx. 7 percent beginning September 1st as a result of a 4.3% increase approved by state regulators and a 2.7% increase sanctioned by Federal regulators. It will prove to be a double hit at a time when energy prices are already squeezing consumers' pocketbooks. People who live along the coast can expect a monthy increase of $4.75, from $75.78 to $80.52. Residents east of Interstate 15 can expect an increase of $1.59, from $70.51 to $72.11.

UCAN has been pushing SDG&E for years to promote solar electric --
PV power.  So imagine our dismay when SDG&E's when self-described Solar Energy Project turns out to be a phony ploy.

Without question, Don Bauder, a former editor and financial columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune is one of the most respected business reporters in Southern California. Today, The San Diego Reader has published his story "Spinrise," which exposes his former colleague, Robert A. Kittle, as a "pathetically fatuous" servant of San Diego's "overlords."  Pretty strong language, indeed!   What's more, says Bauder, Kittle's statements about UCAN and the Sunrise PowerLink are a "rank deception." Read all about it.

San Diego Union Tribune: Energy Billionaires like T-Boone Pickens are using California's ballot initiatives in an attempt to get the "court of public opinion" to rule in favor of their own investments. Beware: Greed, not "green" is the likely motivator. Michael Shames speaks out. More.

UNION-TRIBUNE - Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens, who made his fortune in oil, is now promoting wind and natural gas as alternatives to petroleum, but some consumer advocates believe he has a financial stake in his campaign for alternative energy. READ MORE

On Friday, July 18th, Bob Kittle of the San Diego Union Tribune appeared on KPBS radio's "Editor's Roundtable." In the last few moments of the show, Mr. Kittle made three statements about his newspaper and UCAN. Kittle's statements are so disingenuous that one can only conclude that Mr. Kittle's grip on the truth is a slippery one. Full Story.

Union-Tribune - SDG&E begins installing new digital electrical meters in San Diego that are designed to monitor residential and commercial electrical use to create greater efficiency and encourage conservation.  READ MORE