Politicians, consumer groups and Gov. Gray Davis' office, while intrigued by the idea, all said they needed to see more information before deciding whether to support the proposal. Perata is expected to introduce the bill later this week. It will be one of 130 energy-related measures, many of them dealing with conservation, filed in the wake of the state's power problems. If we do this, they'll catch on that it's serious. The amount of the rebate would be determined by how much electricity a household conserves this summer when compared to last summer.
Individual bills can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of a home and the weather.
The utility does not calculate a summer versus winter average, because coastal areas of California are so different from inland areas. The plan would need the cooperation of utility companies like Pacific Gas and Electric to work because the credit would show up directly on consumers' bills. Cash incentives are crucial, Perata said, because the state still faces an enormous chasm between the supply of electricity available and expected summer demand. Energy analysts predict that widespread rolling blackouts are inevitable this summer, particularly as air conditioners kick on with the hot weather. We have no energy plan today that will get us through May, June, July, and August.