The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has declined to adopt standards in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) that concern integrated resource planning and energy efficiency for electric and gas utilities, exempt wholesale generators and affiliated transactions, and investment in foreign utilities. Finding existing regulations adequate to accomplish EPAct's goals, the CPUC explained that utilities in both the natural gas and electric industry increasingly face competitive challenges that will benefit consumers by promoting innovation and efficiency: "This is the time when regulatory standards restricting the development of a competitive market should be lightened or removed, so long as safety and reliability are not sacrificed and captive ratepayers are protected from unfair competitive practices." Re Compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 1992, R.93-06-001, Decision 95-12-007, Dec. 6, 1995 (Cal.P.U.C.). t
Phillip S. Cross is an associate legal editor of PUBLIC UTILITIES FORTNIGHTLY.
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