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Coalition Applauds CPUC Ruling: SDG&E Customers to Save $368 Million A local coalition of business, labor and community leaders applauded the decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reduce proposed charges for state energy contracts to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers by an estimated $368 million. The decision reduces almost by half the amount of additional costs to be shifted to SDG&E customers under the energy contracts. The CPUC originally voted to allocate $790 million in additional costs to SDG&E customers over the life of the contracts. This ruling reduces that amount to $422 million. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce launched an appeal for fairness in March of 2004 in an effort to change the CPUC's initial decision. Joined by a coalition of business community and local government leaders, a Call to Action campaign was launched to bring public attention to the issue. Numerous regional leaders testified before the CPUC, urging the commissioners to reject the original proposal and develop a more equitable allocation of costs. Key members of the coalition included the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, the City of San Diego, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), SDG&E, dozens of cities in the area served by SDG&E and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. "The decision marks a significant success for our region and shows what can happen when we speak with a unified voice and demand fairness and equity," said Jessie J. Knight, Jr., president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. "This is a tremendous victory for the business community and all San Diegans." Other local leaders also hailed the announcement. "This decision proves that the process can work, and we should never give up," said Michael Murphy, president and CEO of Sharp HealthCare and Chairman of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. "We applaud the CPUC for doing the right thing for all SDG&E consumers." "Working families are the real winners in this decision," added Jerry Butkiewicz, secretary of the San Diego-Imperial County Labor Council. "The CPUC should be commended for making sure that San Diegans pay their fair share and not a penny more." During the California energy crisis in 2000, the state Department of Water Resources entered into long-term contracts to ensure that customers of cash-strapped utilities would continue to receive power. In December 2004, the CPUC approved a controversial methodologyone that the coalition argued would create an unfair burden on SDG&E customers. SDG&E filed a request for a rehearing, based on several significant procedural issues, which led to the revised decision. "This victory is truly a sign of what can happen when business, labor, elected officials and the community stand together and speak with one united voice," said Murphy. "Special thanks should be extended to Commissioners Kennedy and Grueneich for their courage to stand with President Peevey and give San Diego this much-deserved victory." |
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Join us for a debate between City of San Diego mayoral candidates who will be discussing their platforms and their vision for the future of the City of San Diego. Where: University of San Diego Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice 5998 Alcalá Park When: Friday, July 8 Cost: $25 Advanced Price $160 For a Table of Eight No Walk-ups Sponsored By: Donovan's Steak and Chop House, San Diego Biotechnology Political Action Committee and Wells Fargo In Conjunction With: AeA, Asian Business Association, BID Council, BIOCOM, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and University of San Diego For more information or to register for this event, please visit www.sdchamber.org under the calendar of events icon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Are you looking for information about San Diego area companies, industries or employers? Are you new to town or considering relocation? The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Resource Center Store has all the materials you need to fuel your business development efforts, help you reach your target markets and make the most of living and working in San Diego. Offering the latest in comprehensive regional information, economic data, industry demographics, relocation packages, economic outlooks and more, the Resource Center Store is your one-stop source for San Diego business information. For more information or to place an order, click here or call (619) 544-1333. |
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