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Enron Mail |
fyi, I asked Edelman to send me the direct access pitch they are using with
the media this week, and here it is.... ---------------------- Forwarded by Karen Denne/Corp/Enron on 04/10/2001 08:56 PM --------------------------- "Manuel, Erica" <Erica.Manuel@edelman.com< on 04/10/2001 11:38:44 AM To: "'Karen.Denne@enron.com'" <Karen.Denne@enron.com< cc: Subject: RE: PR Update for Direct Access Coalition Sure thing. Here's the pitch: Looking for a new twist on the California energy story?? A conflict that's not being covered? Tension is at fever pitch between the state's business community and policy makers/Davis Administration over the issue of direct access. Simply put, many forces are trying to kill direct access, which allows businesses and residential users to buy their energy from alternative energy providers instead of their local utility.? Yet for businesses this summer, the option to bypass their local utility if they can ink a better energy deal somewhere else may provide the thin margin that keeps them in business.? And PG&E's recent bankruptcy filing begs the question: why not let someone else provide power? As California business screams for relief, the Department of Water Resources, legislature, utilities, some consumer groups and the PUC continue to erect barriers against direct access-which has been in a state of suspended animation since the passage of AB1x.? Each player has its own reasons to push for the demise of direct access.?? A large coalition of business interests is fuming (see direct access coalition list below).? Already rocked by record power prices and worried about recession, they fear that if direct access is not resuscitated soon through emergency legislation, it will be one more reason to raise prices, lay off workers, or shut their doors.? And they wonder: why are our state's policymakers killing direct access at the time businesses need it most as they confront escalating power bills?? It is widely assumed that the Department of Water Resources has not contracted for enough power this summer to avoid paying high prices in the spot market.? Yet, the more power DWR doesn't need to buy because large users have done it for themselves, the less financial exposure the state incurs.? Last week, for the first time, Governor Davis suggested that he may be supportive of letting businesses shop for their own power, but it is unclear at this time how solid his support may be.? Meanwhile, the Legislature continues to run in circles and do everything it can to avoid meaningful action on this issue.? Direct access was one issue at the center of the fissure between Assembly Republicans when they replaced their leadership two weeks ago.? Senator Bowen's much-awaited "clean-up" bill, SB 27x, has been more than a disappointment-in fact it's perceived as ensuring there will be no customer choice. But don't take my word. Edelman can arrange interviews with the California Chamber of Commerce, California Retailers Association, California Manufacturers & Technology Association, Calpine and other organizations fighting to preserve direct access as well as individual businesses/organizations who have chosen to bypass their local utilities and cut their own power deals in order to reap huge savings and/or gain certainty about their energy budgets.? These companies include high tech, hotel and grocery chains, school districts, and large retailers.? This is a timely, controversial story that needs to be told-and it hasn't truly been covered so far by the mainstream media.? Please contact Erica Manuel or Stevan Allen at Edelman Public Relations Worldwide at (916) 442-2331 to arrange interviews or receive more information. ?Building Owners & Managers Association Of California California Chamber Of Commerce California Grocers Association California Health Care Association California Manufacturers & Technology Association California Large Energy Consumers Association California Retailers Association California State University California Healthcare Association AES NewEnergy Association Of Bay Area Governments Power OCLI - A JDS Uniphase Company Ralphs Grocery Company Kaiser Permanente Enron Corporation Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation Green Mountain Energy Company Independent Energy Producers The Alliance For Retail Energy Markets (AreM) The New Power Company University Of California School Project For Utility Rate Reduction California Utility Buyers JPA
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