Competition draws Christians, conspiracy theorists.
SO, WHO WANTS TO COMPETE AGAINST THE LOCAL UTILITIES? In most of the country, potential competitors tend to fall into three categories: (1) traditional utilities from within or nearby the affected state that wants to expand into foreign service territories; (2) unregulated subsidiaries of traditional utilities; or (3) power marketers and/or aggregators. In California, however, it's more of a mixed bag.
At press time, 123 companies had registered as electric service providers, or ESPs, with the California Public Utilities Commission. Companies from 27 states and the District of Columbia had signed up since registration began July 1, with about 65 percent based in California. Businesses can provide electric service on Jan. 1, 1998. While the majority of registered providers are utilities and power marketers, a handful can't be easily pegged.
Christian Energy Electrical Co. formed "in order that Christians and Friends of the Kingdom can get into the business of providing first-rate" utility service to low-income and inner-city customers. This is according to CEO Charles Linder Floyd, a pastor and former Texas oil and gas business entrepreneur who also has worked as a journeyman electrician. "Our message will be, 'Don't let¼ anyone take you back to Egypt.'" Floyd hopes to have 50,000 customers come Jan. 1, and to later become involved in generation, perhaps creating a windmill farm.
San Diego Telephone Co. is exploring its options, although CEO Mike Brown expects the company will be ready to enter the fray Jan. 1.