How other utilities do it

That you Steve for an enlightening letter.

Steven - thank you for providing this comparison. As a former PG&E mid-manager and later on with energy executive functions at ENRON and the University of California, I can tell you that the only solution for California is to completely overhaul our electric rate structures and the electricity generation mix. There are multiple legacy issues that were started by Governor Moonbeam, some very good but many with unintended consequences. There is massive cross-subsidization among rates applicable to the various customer categories so that cost-of-service has little relevance for those who pay the bill. Don't blame the utilities; they are directed by the CPUC and very strong interest groups, among them most prominently agriculture and lower income residential customers. They also have to contend with the Green Crazies and the duplicitous solar installer industry, all looking for subsidies and favors. In the end, many of us not specifically in either of these pressure groups end up paying the highest electricity rates in the country. As an example, in Southern California, almost one third of residential customers qualify for the CARE program which provides discounts through a self-reported means test. Who do you think is making up the shortfall in revenues from that category? A significant source of base revenue, furnished by industry, left the State because of environmental pressure. And the list goes on. Tennessee must be looking very attractive for those who have the ability and desire to move out of this down-ward spiraling State.