The public outcry eventually led lawmakers to impose another rate cap through 2002, but the anger never went away. Customers eventually helped pool enough money to keep the lights on. I'm probably one of many,'' said Perry, 51. Pawn shops say business is booming as cash-strapped power customers pawn televisions and other valuables to pay their bills. It's a vision of California that few could have predicted a year ago.
Utilities also say they've been hard-hit.
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