Is Deregulation Still the Answer?

This summer's shocking electricity price hikes in San Diego that followed market deregulation have directed a lot of heat to the State Senate Energy Utilities and Communications Committee. Senator Debra Bowen (D-Senate District 28), who chairs this Committee, spoke recently with MIR about deregulation and its implications statewide. Senator Bowen highlights the factors that contributed to a rough transition to a deregulated market, and bemoans the lack of effective demand management efforts. She calls on the Legislature to revisit the issue of creating a fully competitive wholesale market, and to push for re-regulation until then. The Senator also serves on the Revenue & Tax Committee, and gives us her insider view on the Internet taxation debate.

Thanks to Ali Valenzuela