SAN DIEGO, CA — About two-thirds of California businesses polled say that they have a “generally negative” feeling about deregulation in the state and more than 80% cite the cost of energy as a top concern, according to a recent survey conducted statewide.
The survey also revealed that more than three-quarters of businesses polled are displeased with the suspension of direct-access Sept. 20 by the California Public Utilities Commission. Under California’s original electric deregulation plan, a direct-access provision allowed business and residential customers to purchase electricity from alternative energy service providers outside of their local utility, typically at a lower price.