Free Republic

CHENEY WARNS U.S. ON ENERGY AP-NY-03-21-01 1946EST Washington (AP) - Vice President Dick Cheney warmed Wednesday that the United States must generate more of its own energy or the country risks power shortages like those in California, but on a national scale. Cheney cited estimates that the United States will need 1,300 new power plants over the next 20 years - roughly 65 each year to have adequate generating capacity. Plus, he said those plants will need other infrastructure, such as a means of obtaining the coal or gas and transmission lines. "Our infrastructure in the energy area is very...

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - U.S. energy regulators on Wednesday unveiled a new measure to prevent another California power shortage by allowing Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE - news) to import more electricity from Mexico. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said the boost in imports could save San Diego residents $3 million per year and California ratepayers $10 million annually, once new upgrades are completed. ``You spend a nickel to save a dollar. It's a pretty good deal,'' said FERC Chairman Pat Wood. The FERC approved an order that allows Sempra subsidiary San Diego Gas and Electric Co. to recover from...