[Dog Gone]

It would have to a differential amount which is set by the PUC, because the actual cost of the power used wouldn't be known until after the fact. A customer that isn't aware of the price to be paid for using power during a peak period is left without any useful information upon which to base a decision whether or not to curtail usage.

I would reluctantly support such a measure, but only as a stopgap measure until a surplus of power (even during peak usage) is available. Ideally, California would remove obstacles, and even create incentives, for new power plant construction. At the point where California has at least 15% more power capacity than peak demand, then it should phase in price deregulation for all consumers, both commercial and residential. Allow everyone to contract directly with a power provider.

If the Texas model is any indication, power providers would provide a wide range of plans and prices to fit the needs of the customer base. Some would offer adjustable pricing, some would offer fixed prices for a contractually set period, and others might offer time of day plans.

The key to a healthy and reliable power system is to quit interfering and manipulating it, as is being done now, and to let market forces work their magic.

[Carry_Okie]

Ideally, California would remove obstacles, and even create incentives, for new power plant construction. At the point where California has at least 15% more power capacity than peak demand, then it should phase in price deregulation for all consumers, both commercial and residential. Allow everyone to contract directly with a power provider.

Actually, I'm a little more aggressive than that, but in general I agree.

The key to a healthy and reliable power system is to quit interfering and manipulating it, as is being done now, and to let market forces work their magic.

Well, we both agree about the magic part, but as you know, until we can get the patient off of life-support, it isn't going to walk when we pull the plug. As much as I would like to see a totally open market (with a few twists brought to you by yours truly to help keep it honest :-), deregulating pricing alone now would IMHO, be counterproductive for the people of California.