American Medical Association, and the California Medical Association have filed briefs with the California Supreme Court stating that they find no link between cancer and electromagnetic fields (EMF) from electric transmission lines: "The physics and cellular biology, combined, strongly indicate that it is not scientifically reasonable to believe that 60 Hz magnetic fields increase the incidence of cancer." The briefs were filed in a case involving San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), which is being sued by the Covalt family, who claim that EMF from power li

Texas Energy Partners plc (TEP), formed by Central and South West Corp. and Houston Industries, Inc. (HIE) to acquire a British electric distribution company, NORWEB plc, has given up the takeover attempt.TEP had made a $2.7-billion friendly acquisition offer for NORWEB, which serves about 2 million customers in northwestern England. The offering followed the successful acquisition of a British retail system, South Western Electricity (SWEB), by a U.S.

Idaho Power (IP) has filed a notice of settlement with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC), its first step toward gaining approval to accelerate amortization of accumulated deferred investment tax credits (ADITC) when year-end return on equity (ROE) falls below 11.5 percent. If the PUC agrees, the agreement would remain in effect from 1995 through 1999.

Montana Power Co. (MP) has asked the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for a $34.9-million (9.84 percent) electric rate hike, and a $12-million (10.45 percent) natural gas hike. It also offered a preferred alternative electric and gas rate plan.The alternative plan would serve as a transition mechanism to a more competitive environment, limiting additional rate filings through 1998 and reducing this year's request by $14 million for electric and $3.5 million for natural gas.

Central Illinois Light Co. (CIL) has asked the Illinois Public Utilities Commission to approve two retail wheeling pilot programs named 'Power Quest.' One is aimed at industrial customers, the other at commercial/residential customers, although participation is strictly voluntary.Customers participating in Power Quest will purchase their electricity from sources other than CIL, and then contract with CIL to deliver the power through existing lines. The customer will pay the supplier for the energy and CIL for the delivery.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BG&E) on September 25 announced that it would acquire Potomac Electric Power Co. (PEPCO) for $2.9 billion, creating an as-yet unnamed company with assets exceeding $15 billion, and annual revenues of about $5 billion. The new company will be one of the 10 largest electric utilities in the nation, with 1.8 million electric customers and 530,000 natural gas customers.

BG&E shareholders will receive one share of stock in the new utility for each share of common stock. PEPCO stockholders will receive .997 share for each share.

MidCon Corp. named Dennis M. Lawler power marketing v.p. in its MidCon Power Services Corp. unit. Lawler comes from Consolidated Natural Gas Co.

In a promotion, Mark Kugelman will manage account sales for Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Power Distribution Group.

The American Gas Association (A.G.A.) elected chairmen for its financial and administrative, operating, marketing and legal sections: Bruce R. Debolt, senior v.p. and CFO of Northwest Natural Gas Co.; Frederick L.

Did you hear the one about the middle-aged utility executive who became depressed about plans to restructure his company? It seems he couldn't cope with how fast things were changing. So he threw himself in front of a glacier.

That story comes from a meeting I attended back in October, styled Executive Visioning Workshop, sponsored by Arthur D. Little, Inc., which attracted some 21 energy industry executives.

Question: What is your relationship with the state legislature? Do lawmakers in your state show interest in utility regulation? Should PUCs work more closely with state legislatures?Response by Boyce Griffith, Chairman, West Virginia Public Service Commission:

The West Virginia PSC's relationship with the legislature is good. The West Virginia legislature has been active in utility regulation. I believe West Virginia utilities already work closely with the legislature and will continue to do so.