Month: September 2006
-
-
Did Hedge Fund Attempt to Corner the Natural Gas Market for March 2007?
Amaranth, a “hedge fund,” lost more than $6 Billion in its natural gas investments and 65% of its value in September 2006. McCullough Research asks the question, “Did Amaranth Attempt […] -
NYISO Costs Skyrocket, Benefits Questioned
From Power Pool to ISOThe New York Power Pool (NYPP) was formed in 1966 to coordinate the state’s electric power grid after the 1965 major blackout in New York City. […] -
Industrial and Residential Customers Agree: Proposed FERC Rules for Electricity Market Rates are Flawed
After years of experimenting with “market-based rates” for wholesale electricty, at times with disastrous results for consumers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is proposing to adopt official rules regarding […] -
Customer Groups Urge NY PSC to Restore Fixed Rates
In 2005, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order that led to the elimination of fixed utility rates for residential customers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric. […] -
US Justice Department Sues to Bar Connecticut Inquiry into Possible Warrantless Disclosure of Customer Telephone Records
Telephone records regarding calling and receiving numbers, the time and duration of calls are needed by the telephone companies for billing purposes. This information is considered to be “Customer Proprietary […] -
Federal Electricity Competition Report Overdue
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal Interagency Task Force to “conduct a study and analysis of competition within the wholesale and retail market for electric energy in […] -
Virginia Report: Restructuring Has "No Discernible Benefit" for Customers
The Virginia legislature passed an electric utility restructuring act in 1999. In broad outline the Virginia restructuring law is similar to New York’s administrative restructuring, which was engineered by the […] -
Candle Fires and Monoxide Poisoning: Aftermath of “Rolling Blackouts” Interrupting Utility Service to Low-Income Households
The essential nature of electricity service in our society is often taken for granted. When a geographic area blackout occurs, due to grid failures or storms, it is major news […] -
New Concerns Raised About Manipulation of Natural Gas Prices
In recent years, prices for natural gas have risen steeply. The usual explanation given is that it is due to market forces, the natural consequence of supply and demand. A […]