Senator Feinstein Calls Upon Energy Secretary
Richardson to Extend Emergency Power Order
December 20, 2000

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today urged Department of Energy Secretary Bill Richardson to extend the deadline of the emergency order directing energy generators to continue to sell power into the California market. Unless action is taken, the emergency order will expire on Saturday, December 23, 2000.

In a letter to Richardson, Feinstein wrote: “I believe it is necessary to keep this emergency order in effect until such time as reasonable bilateral contracts can be secured between energy generators and utilities, and the California Public Utilities Commission can determine an appropriate rate increase for California customers. The California energy situation will not stabilize until both of these solutions can be achieved.”

“I understand that just yesterday that California Independent Systems Operator filed a formal request asking you to execute your power and direct energy to be sold into the state yesterday and today. This is clear evidence that California’s crisis is continuing and that your involvement is critical for ensuring that the lights stay on in California.”

Secretary Richardson signed the emergency order on Friday, December 15, 2000. A copy of the letter to Richardson is available upon request.

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