Handle with care: No on Proposition 80

THINGS your father taught you: Always be careful when working around electricity. If you're not well grounded, expect to get a big shock.

California already got a big shock when the Legislature decided in 1996 to deregulate the electric utilities. In 2000-2001, we suffered through a summer of blackouts, rolling brownouts and soaring electric bills as unscrupulous players in the energy business gouged us.

Now along comes Proposition 80 that would subject electricity providers like PG&E and Southern California Edison to more controls by the state Public Utilities Commission. It also would restrict consumers and businesses for an ability to switch to retail electricity providers. It also requires electric providers to turn sooner to renewable sources.

While proponents mean well, energy experts say there could be unforeseen consequences, such as a cap on wind and solar power. Proponents call that view "baloney."

The "Electric Service Providers. Regulation. Initiative Statute," is called "Affordable Electricity and Preventing Blackouts Act" by supporters. Opponents call it: "Wrong Way/High Risk Initiative."

Whatever you call it, it is a very complicated scheme.

Proposition 80 doesn't restrict or require the construction of additional power generators or transmission lines. And the nonpartisan legislative analyst says the financial impact is not known.

It is supported by labor groups, Consumer Federation of California, California Alliance for Retired Americans and The Utility Reform Network. Opponents are Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, state PUC, California Chamber of Commerce, Californians for Reliable Electricity.

In 2002, the PUC set up market rules, most of which were finalized late last year. And Joe Desmond, chairman of the state Energy Commission and the governor's top energy adviser, said, "What we don't need now is a new set of rules."

Despite it all, no one can say what 80 would do for your electric bill. The goal is to stabilize the energy market and avoid an energy crisis like we had in 2000-2001.

But 80's complexity hasn't kept advocates on both sides from hailing it either as the best solution to energy problems or as a tool to restrict consumer rights.

The chairman of the PUC, Michael Peevey, says "If Prop. 80 passes, consumers would never again be able to choose who their energy provider is."

Both sides claim the support of environmental groups.

Even if 80 wins on Nov. 8, the measure's constitutionality is still in question. The state Supreme Court will consider that if the measure passes.

Given the complex issues involved, we recommend a no vote.

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