One would spread energy price increases for San Diego customers over several years, the other speeds up the approval process for new power plants. The blackouts are caused by slim power supplies due to several Northern California power plants shut down for maintenance. The California Independent System Operator declares the first of many Stage Two alerts, when power reserves drop below 5 percent. By mid-summer, those customers' bills have tripled. Deregulation bills approved by state lawmakers take effect.
Utilities begin taking steps to divest themselves of their generation plants.
Rates they can charge consumers are capped until the utilities complete that task. Gov. Pete Wilson signs legislation to open up California's electricity market to competition. The bill was approved by the Legislature with unanimous support. Page last updated March 20, 2001. This Briefing Book was compiled by the Congressional Research Service, a branch of the Library of Congress providing nonpartisan research reports to members of the House and Senate.