Amid Battle for Scarce State Dollars, Costly CA Energy Program Gets Scrutinized

"Even as California has scaled back education, law enforcement and assistance to the disabled in this era of financial stress, the [state's energy-efficiency and alternative-energy program] has continued unrestrained and is expected to grow significantly in coming years," write Ralph Vartabedian and Evan Halper.

"The spending is drawing increasing scrutiny. Some of the energy investments have gone bust, electricity costs have soared, and some economists have disputed the benefits. The legality of some consumer fees that fund the programs also is being challenged in court."

"Suddenly, you look up and there are literally hundreds of millions of dollars going into investments that produce marginal benefits," said state Sen. Rod Wright (D-Inglewood), a member of the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee.

"You know the tale of Robin Hood? Well, this is robbing the 'hood," he said. "You are taking from poor people to give to rich people."