Robert L. Mitchell, executive vice president, says Trans-Elect is prepared to invest in the necessary improvements. Among them are an upgrade to Path 15, a transmission bottleneck in central California, and interconnections with Arizona's grid, he says. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation also will be promoted. The Democrat-controlled state assembly is expected to consider the proposal this week, says Dave Sebeck, a spokesman for Burton. Some industry officials warn that an increased state role in the power industry could be counterproductive.
Brier says rate increases are needed to encourage conservation.
Higher prices also would restore investor confidence in the state, he contends. The proposals also fail to address a permitting process that takes two to three times as long as in other states, he warns. In Nevada, Guinn announced a commitment from the Las Vegas Valley Water District to provide 2,000 acre-ft of groundwater rights at Apex for four greenfield merchant powerplants.