'Green Power' Companies Could Benefit

Green energy providers may be able to offer Californians analternative power source that is not subject to the power spikesoccurring in the deregulated energy market by establishing a fixed ratefor their customers. Companies that use renewable resources such as sun,water, and wind have been trying to attract customers by promoting theirenvironmentally friendly practices, but now may be able to attractpeople with a consistent flat rate. While the flat rate does not addressthe power shortages experienced in California, advocates of green powersay that the demand could be alleviated by building alternative powergenerators, as wind and solar plants are generally faster to build andmore easily accepted by communities.