Private Power and the Public Interest

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With utilities at the brink of bankruptcy, California is exploring plans to buy the plants that power the state. Many critics are calling the proposed buyout a "bailout." Where do we go from here? Should the large customers who pushed for deregulation take the weight off residential customers? What about a state power authority? We look at the proposals with a reporter who covers the capital, the chair of ISO's board of governors, a consumer advocate, and the general manager of LA's DWP. Newsmaker: Fingerprinting Gun Buyers - In order to successfully prosecute the thousands of felons who illegally purchase weapons in California, police must prove their identity as the buyer. A new proposal, authored by Councilman Mike Feuer, would require fingerprinting for anybody purchasing a gun in Los Angeles. Reporter's Notebook: Los Angeles River Cleanup - The Los Angeles River has become a flood of trash and pollution, endangering the health of wildlife and humans. Dennis Dickerson, of LA's Regional Water Quality Control Board, says that litter education and anti-litter enforcement will help authorities solve the problem.
With utilities at the brink of bankruptcy, California is exploring plans to buy the plants that power the state. Many critics are calling the proposed buyout a "bailout." Where do we go from here? Should the large customers who pushed for deregulation take the weight off residential customers? What about a state power authority? We look at the proposals with a reporter who covers the capital, the chair of ISO's board of governors, a consumer advocate, and the general manager of LA's DWP.
  • Newsmaker: Fingerprinting Gun Buyers - In order to successfully prosecute the thousands of felons who illegally purchase weapons in California, police must prove their identity as the buyer. A new proposal, authored by Councilman Mike Feuer, would require fingerprinting for anybody purchasing a gun in Los Angeles.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Los Angeles River Cleanup - The Los Angeles River has become a flood of trash and pollution, endangering the health of wildlife and humans. Dennis Dickerson, of LA's Regional Water Quality Control Board, says that litter education and anti-litter enforcement will help authorities solve the problem.

Los Angeles Times

California Independent Systems Operator

Independent Energy Producers Association

The Utility Reform Network

LA Department of Water and Power

California Power Exchange

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Federal Power Commission

LA Regional Water Quality Control Board

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton