Obscured by these is California's emerging energy crisis. Californians are familiar with the spike in gas prices throughout this past spring and summer. The scarcity of energy and SDGE's exposure to market forces increased San Diegans utility bills two to three hundred percent. While underlying causes are easily identifiable, a comprehensive solution appears more elusive as interest groups and concerns compete. Consumer advocates want utilities to absorb increased costs.
Environmentalists seek to preserve existing regulations.
Utilities and energy companies seek to pass increased costs onto consumers and to ease regulations to make facilities construction more feasible. In arriving at a solution, no party's interests will be completely satisfied. California must adopt a reasonable, and realistic, energy plan incorporating and balancing the interests of the concerned parties. Any plan must secure a supply of energy sufficient to meet our state's growing needs at stable prices. Furthermore, the generation of additional energy needs to take environmental concerns into account.