They say the Houston-based company used that meeting and its market power to drive up the price of natural gas for Californians. The companies have denied any wrongdoing.
Natural gas is a critical part of California's energy crisis.
The state relies on the commodity to generate half its power. It is also the most expensive component in generating electricity. But experts say the price could spike again if, for example, there's another wave of frigid weather. The suit seeks billions in damages. Plaintiffs' attorneys plan to use the agenda and notes of the 1996 meeting in Phoenix as a road map showing how these firms planned to limit natural gas deliveries to Southern California.