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Call Mark Johnson at 303-782-5510     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]  AdvertisementRER      ELECTRIC POWER NEWS - TOP STORIES    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Energy Central's editors have selected these as the top stories of the day:    California Utility Regulators Devise Bond Plan to Finance Electricity Payments  By Carrie Peyton, The Sacramento Bee, Calif., Feb. 1 Enron Extraordinarily Lucrative But Wrong  Feb 03, 2002 - United Press International Harrisburg, Pa.-Area Utility Claims PPL Corp.'s Market Moves Cost It Millions  By David DeKok, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 1 Xcel Enters Merger Talks; Looks To Buy Back NRG  Feb. 3 (Power Finance & Risk)   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   ELECTRIC POWER NEWS - MOST REQUESTED    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] These stories have been most requested by Energy Central members in the last two weeks.    Court overturns approval of AEP, Central SW merger     By Julie Vorman, WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (Reuters)  Enron's Cutthroat Culture Is Deplored by Those It Served to Profit     By Claudia Kolker, The Boston Globe, Jan. 27  FERC audit shows flaws in Calif power grid operator     By Chris Baltimore, WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters)  Arthur Andersen's CEO Points a Finger at Enron's Business Model     By Julie Mason, Houston Chronicle, Jan. 21  Report Offers Bright Outlook for California Power Authority     By Rick Jurgens, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif., Jan. 19   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]   GAS INDUSTRY NEWS - TOP STORIES    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Energy Central's editors have selected these as the top stories of the day:    Indiana Gas Utilities Get Settlement Refunds  By Chris O'Malley, The Indianapolis Star, Feb. 1 Natural Gas Prices Expected to Remain Volatile for Colorado Consumers  By Steve Raabe, The Denver Post, Feb. 1 Study pans idea of state equity in Alaska gasline  ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Feb 2 (Reuters)   [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]      [IMAGE]   KWI [IMAGE]  [IMAGE]  IN THIS ISSUE     [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE]   Daily Edition for paul.d.thomas@enron.com  [IMAGE]     Electric Power News  Restructuring Today   Utility Spotlight  RER's eMetrix Load Forecast: CAL ISO  Electric Power News - Top Stories  Electric Power News - Most Requested  Gas Industry News - Top Stories           Selected Content Not In This Issue   Utility Stock Price - Top Gainers - Each Tuesday    [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]      [IMAGE]  ELECTRIC POWER NEWS     [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] Selected 121 of 121  Articles Today!      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Top Stories     California Utility Regulators Devise Bond Plan to Finance Electricity Payments   By Carrie Peyton, The Sacramento Bee, Calif., Feb. 1 After months of talks with the governor and state treasurer, utility regulators have crafted a plan they believe will allow the state to issue up to $12.5 billion in bonds to repay the state for buying electricity.  [IMAGE]   Xcel Enters Merger Talks; Looks To Buy Back NRG   Feb. 3 (Power Finance & Risk) Xcel Energy, one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., is courting FirstEnergy, TXU and Entergy as potential merger partners and at the same time is looking to repurchase the remaining 20% stake of its unregulated IPP affiliate, NRG Energy, which it partially spun off in May 2000. Special Offer from this Publisher!   [IMAGE]   Enron Extraordinarily Lucrative But Wrong   Feb 03, 2002 - United Press International On the eve of his appearance before a congressional committee Monday, former Enron Corp. Chairman and CEO Kenneth Lay and many of his staff of top executives were blamed by investigators for reporting $1 billion in profits that did not exist, nevertheless often enjoying immense personal gain.  [IMAGE]   Harrisburg, Pa.-Area Utility Claims PPL Corp.'s Market Moves Cost It Millions   By David DeKok, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 1 FirstEnergy Corp. says its three GPU Energy subsidiaries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey incurred costs and damages "well into the millions of dollars" because of alleged manipulation by PPL Corp. of the regional installed-capacity market in the first quarter of 2001.       Energy Security     Bush officials say high alert may be needed for years with terrorists possibly lurking in U.S.   By H. JOSEF HEBERT Associated Press Writer, WASHINGTON, Feb 01, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Despite U.S. successes in Afghanistan, the Bush administration is cautioning that terrorists may be operating in the United States, requiring the nation to stay on high alert for perhaps years.      California Crisis     Federal Regulators to Focus on Enron's Role in California's Energy Crisis   By Patty Reinert, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 1 Federal energy regulators Thursday launched an investigation into whether Houston's embattled Enron Corp. helped prolong last year's electricity crisis in California by unfairly manipulating wholesale power prices.       A Plan, But No Customers   Feb 01, 2002 - Bond Buyer While California's new power authority trumpets its plan to promote renewable energy and boost electricity reserves, details of how billions of dollars in unspecified projects will be financed remain largely unknown.       FERC drops Calif group's case against BPA, BC Hydro   WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (Reuters) The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday dismissed a complaint by a California citizen group that claimed Bonneville Power Administration and three other firms withheld badly-needed electricity during the state's power crisis.       Calif. governor recounts talks with Lay   LOS ANGELES, Feb 02, 2002 (United Press International via COMTEX) --  Gov. Gray Davis confirmed that he met with Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay during the height of last winter's California electricity crisis, at the urgings of two White House administrations, and described the consultations as unproductive.       Davis calls for Enron probe; Boxer calls Enron 'robber baron'   Feb 01 - Associated Press California Gov. Gray Davis and Sen. Barbara Boxer are asking federal energy regulators to investigate possible price manipulation by Enron during the state's energy crisis.       Bottom Lines: Customer Service on the Titanic   Feb. 3 (California Energy Markets) The California energy crisis of 2000/01 has taken its toll on the electric utility business in many ways--financially, legally and by nearly eliminating customer esteem for the state's utilities, electric service providers and regulators.  Special Offer from this Publisher!     [IMAGE] ADVERTISEMENT    ENERGIZE YOUR CAREER - The Energy Central Job Center has a new look,  new features, premier employers and is updated daily! Visit the energy  industry's largest on-line job center today:  http://www.energycentral.com/sections/jobs          National Energy Policy     Two Proposals in Memo from Enron's Lay Became Part of Cheney's Energy Plan   By Jim Landers, The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 1 The Bush administration's national energy plan included two Enron-endorsed provisions that upset some congressional Republicans and Western governors for infringing on state's rights.       Court tells Cheney to explain task force secrecy   WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - A federal judge has ordered Vice President Dick Cheney's energy task force to explain the constitutional argument behind its refusal to release details of its meetings, a group suing for the records said on Friday.      Competition & Deregulation     TXU to Switch Some Texas Electricity Customers to Reliant Energy   By Dan Piller, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas, Feb. 1 TXU's electricity customers who are behind on their bills will find their service switched involuntarily to Houston-based Reliant Energy starting in March as part of the new "provider of last resort" program under the state's deregulation law.       Dominion Virginia Power Redesigns Bills to Reflect Supply Choice   By Carolyn Shapiro, Daily Press, Newport News, Va., Feb. 2 Dominion Virginia Power customers will get redesigned electricity bills this month that show new information to help them prepare to shop for a competing supplier.      Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures     Power Merger Completed in Buffalo, N.Y., Area   By David Robinson, The Buffalo News, N.Y., Feb. 1 Niagara Mohawk turned over the keys to its New York utility business to British transmission giant National Grid Group Thursday, wrapping up an $8.9 billion merger that creates the eighth largest electric utility in the country.       Enron May Sell Pittsburgh-Based Firm Limbach Facility Services to Raise Money   By Dan Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Feb. 2 Enron Corp., the Houston energy trader now engulfed in the largest bankruptcy case in U.S. history, has ties to a 101-year-old Pittsburgh mechanical contracting firm.       Duke Energy Corp. to Sell Engineering Unit   The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Feb. 1 Duke Energy Corp. said Thursday it will sell its nuclear plant engineering division to a Virginia-based nuclear power company, as it focuses on wholesale power production, natural gas and energy trading.      Legislation/Regulation     Justice Department Tells White House Not to Destroy Enron-Related Records   By Ron Hutcheson, Knight Ridder Washington Bureau, Feb. 2 The Justice Department on Friday directed the White House not to destroy any records related to Enron's contacts with government officials because they could be needed in a criminal investigation.       Congress to Grill Enron Witnesses   Feb 03, 2002 - Associated Press Star witness and presidential friend Kenneth Lay.       Lawmakers Aim to Lift Enron's 'Shroud of Secrecy' at Lay Hearings   By Julie Mason, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 1 Lawmakers signaled Thursday that their questioning of former Enron Corp. Chairman Ken Lay on Capitol Hill next week is likely to be confrontational when he delivers his first public explanation of the company's collapse.       Congressmen Cry Foul in Enron's Self-Investigation   By Julie Mason, Houston Chronicle , Feb. 2 Lawmakers on Friday sought to discredit a pending internal investigation from Enron Corp., saying the effort is already compromised by a lack of independent oversight.       FACTBOX-Congress hearings schedule on Enron/Andersen   WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) The following are the hearings which the U.S. Congress has firmly scheduled on the collapse of Enron Corp., its auditor Andersen, and related regulatory issues over the coming weeks. Latest items added are marked *.       Lawmaker Wants Utah to Debate Means of Selecting Utility Regulators   By Steven Oberbeck, The Salt Lake Tribune, Jan. 31 Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley City, wants the Legislature to debate whether Utah's top utility regulators should be elected rather than appointed by the governor.       Enron scandal may affect legislation   By Chris Nietupski, MADISON, Wis., Feb 01, 2002 (Badger Herald, U-WIRE via COMTEX) --  Policy-making in Wisconsin and across the country could feel the effects of the Enron scandal, state officials say.       Senate Energy Committee Focuses on Enron Impact on Prices   Feb. 1 (Texas Electric Market Reporter) On January 29, the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources took testimony from witnesses on the impact of the Enron bankruptcy on energy markets. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Rates     Nevada Regulator May Increase Length of Time for Utility Payments   By John G. Edwards, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Feb. 1 Nevada's top utility regulator said Thursday that state law may permit Nevada Power Co. to recover a $922 million rate increase over six years instead of three.       State: Nstar owes $22.5M   Feb 02 - Boston Herald Accusing Nstar of negligence, state regulators are demanding the power company pay its customers $22.5 million for suffering through last summer's power outages.      General     Attorney: Enron Officer Ordered Whistleblower's Computer Seized   By Miles Moffeit, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas, Feb. 1 Shortly after Enron Corp. Vice President Sherron Watkins reported a pattern of accounting irregularities to company chief Kenneth Lay last year, management seized her computer, Watkins' attorney said.       Enron Executives' Image Slips in New Poll   By Patty Reinert, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 2 As the Enron scandal unfolds, a majority of Americans believe executives acted illegally as the Houston energy trader spiraled toward bankruptcy last fall, according to a poll released Friday.       `Enron' Becomes a Verb   By Marja Mills, Chicago Tribune, Feb 1 To Enron's enormous legal and financial nightmares, add this indignity: The bankrupt behemoth's name has morphed into slang for slippery accounting, leaving employees in the lurch and other unsavory conduct.       Enron execs using company jets to attend bankruptcy hearings   By KRISTEN HAYS Associated Press Writer-, HOUSTON, Jan 31, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Since Enron Corp. filed the largest U.S. bankruptcy in history last year, the company has used its two jets for eight round-trip flights to New York where the case was filed, a spokesman said Thursday.       Enron Developments at a Glance   Feb 01 - Associated Press Developments related to the Enron collapse and investigation:       Computer Sleuths Confident about Ability to Find Deleted Enron Data   By Cara Anna, Austin American-Statesman, Texas, Jan. 31 The head of the company hired to retrieve the electronic records destroyed by Arthur Andersen LLP concerning Enron Corp. was guarded but confident Wednesday as he talked about the task already under way in Houston, protected by armed guards.       Enron Vacates Most of Its California Offices   By Kate Berry, The Orange County Register, Calif., Feb. 1 Enron Corp., the bankrupt energy-trading company that influenced the design of California's disastrous experiment with electricity deregulation, has vacated nearly all its offices in the state, including an Orange County headquarters in Costa Mesa.       More Virginians Falling Behind on Electricity Payments   By Lois Caliri, The Roanoke Times, Va., Jan. 31 The Salvation Army has paid some needy Roanokers' bills.       Officials in Indiana's LaPorte County, Michigan City Protest NIPSCO Cutbacks   By Keith Benman, South Bend Tribune, Ind., Jan. 31 LaPorte County commissioners and Michigan City Mayor Sheila Brillson have asked state officials to block a plan by the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. to close five service hubs.       Chattanooga, Tenn., Steel-Plant Operator Has Unique Agreement with Enron   By Mike Pare, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Feb. 1 Huntco Inc., which operates a steel processing plant at Chattanooga's riverport, has what a steel industry spokesman calls unique financial agreements with Enron.       TVA Cuts Back on Office Space in Downtown Chattanooga, Tenn.   By Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Feb. 2 Chattanooga's biggest employer is scaling back its presence downtown.       Enron Collapse Affects Shares Omaha, Neb., Retirees   By Judith Graham, Chicago Tribune, Feb. 1 The small sign welcoming the white-haired men and women to lunch last Friday was a minor act of rebellion. "Northern Natural Gas retirees luncheon," the sheet read. A month ago, it would have carried the name of Enron.      Trading/Marketing     Enron's power trading volumes fell in Q4-FERC data   WASHINGTON, Feb 1 (Reuters) Enron Corp.'s electricity trading volumes in the fourth quarter of 2001 fell by about 26 percent from the previous quarter as the company slipped into bankruptcy, according to data filed with federal regulators on Thursday.       Barclays hires 2 ex-Enron executives to run energy trading desk   LONDON, Feb 01, 2002 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) --  Barclays Bank PLC unit Barclays Capital said it hired two former executives from Enron Europe to run a newly created energy trading team, the Wall Street Journal reported.      New Technologies/Markets     Danbury, Conn.-Based Fuel Cell Firm to Make Scheduled Deliveries for Year   By David A. Smith, Waterbury Republican-American, Conn., Feb. 2 Last month's explosion at FuelCell Energy Inc.'s Torrington manufacturing plant will delay shipments of its fuel cells by at least a month, but the company said it still expects to make its deliveries planned for this year.      Power Pricing/Supply     FERC Says Soft Market, not Its Price Caps, Set NW Energy Prices   Feb. 3 (Clearing Up) A spot market affected by declining demand for power and a return to more normal supply levels set the prices for Northwest energy from June through November 2001, not the $92/MWh price cap FERC set last June. Special Offer from this Publisher!        Monday Power in Central Posts Modest Gain on Cold Weather   Feb. 1 (Btu's Daily Power Report) Power prices throughout the Central region were seen slightly up today on what was most likely an affect of cooler weather and typical ahead of the weekend hype. Special Offer from this Publisher!        Cold Weather Flattens Loads and Prices   Feb. 1 (Special to Western Price Survey Contacts) A sharp drop in the temperature and associated snow early in the week did not cause a big increase in peak period prices at Western hubs. Special Offer from this Publisher!        SW Left Out in the Cold   Jan. 31 (Energy Market Report) Peak power prices in the Western U.S. rose for the typically-discounted Friday/Saturday package on continued strong weather-related demand and new-month buying. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Transmission & Reliability     Entergy, Arkansas Negotiate Settlement of Ice-Storm Costs   By David Mercer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock, Jan. 30 Entergy Arkansas Inc. and the state Public Service Commission are negotiating a potential settlement of the utility's bid to recover money it spent to restore power to hundreds of thousands of customers after a pair of destructive ice storms in December 2000.       FERC to hold hearing on power-line charges   Jan 31 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ordered a hearing to decide how much the owners of electricity transmission systems in the Midwest can charge for making power-line and other improvements.       N.Y.-N.E. power merger called not big enough   Feb 02 - Providence Journal A proposed merger of wholesale electricity markets in New York and New England doesn't go far enough to reduce the high cost of sharing power with mid-Atlantic states, federal regulators said yesterday.       FERC Gets MISO Ready for Prime Time   Feb. 1 (Energy Insights) Following up on orders that approved the Midwest Independent System Operator ("MISO") as a fully functional Regional Transmission Organization ("RTO"), the FERC acted on various MISO filings to prepare for MISO's fully operational status as of today. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Power Projects     Wisconsin Energy seeks to build five power plants   SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 1 (Reuters) - Wisconsin Energy Corp. on Friday said it had filed a $3 billion plan with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build five power plants that will provide a total of 2,800 megawatts of new generation capacity for the state.       Arizona Commission Rejects Plan for $1 Billion Power Plant near Eloy   By Mitch Tobin, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Jan. 31 A $1 billion power plant proposed six miles from the new Ironwood Forest National Monument was unanimously rejected by the Arizona Corporation Commission Wednesday.       New Berlin, Wis., Considers Power Plant Permit 'Expired'   By Corissa Jansen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 1 The city has told a company that its permit to build a $150 million power plant has expired, prompting opponents to say they were doing a "victory dance" over the news.       Kentucky Legislative Votes May Sway Plan for Coal-Fired Plant   By Bill Bartleman, The Paducah Sun, Ky., Jan. 31 How the Kentucky General Assembly acts on two bills will determine if EnviroPower of Lexington advances on a plan to build a $900 million coal-fired generating plant near Calvert City.       York County, S.C., Chamber Members Join in Calpine Dispute   By Sula Pettibon, The Herald, Rock Hill, S.C., Jan. 31 People are lining up on both sides of a gas-fired electric generator issue, and on Wednesday chamber members joined the dispute.      Legal     PG?sends bankruptcy details to U.S. judge   SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 1 (Reuters) PG?Corp.'s Pacific Gas & Electric unit on Friday said it filed 900 pages of mostly technical information about taxes, business contracts and other details requested by the judge in the company's bankruptcy case.       Bank of America Subsidiary Sued over Advice It Gave on Enron Bonds   By Rick Rothacker, The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Feb. 2 A Bank of America Corp. subsidiary is among three companies being sued by an institutional investor who says they promoted Enron Corp. bonds even when they knew the energy trader was in financial trouble.       Lawyers for Former Enron Workers File Motions, Seeking to Clear Way for Suits   By Ron Nissimov, Houston Chronicle, Feb. 1 Lawyers for two groups of former Enron employees have filed three motions in New York bankruptcy court they say will protect the interests of their clients.       Wisconsin Electric Power Wins Procedural Victory in Punitive Damages Decision   By Lee Bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Feb. 1 Wisconsin Electric Power Co. won a procedural victory on Thursday when the State Supreme Court decided not to review an appeals court decision that threw out a landmark $100 million punitive damages award against the company.      Renewables     Public Service Firm Wants to Put 180 Windmills on New Mexico Plains   By Rosalie Rayburn, Albuquerque Journal, N.M., Feb. 2 Public Service Company of New Mexico is in "serious pursuit" of a wind ranch in eastern New Mexico that will use 180 turbines to generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity -- enough for 70,000 homes.       Siemens Solar Energized by Alliance with Berkeley, Calif.-Based PowerLight   By Evan Pondel, Daily News, Los Angeles, Jan. 31 Siemens Solar and Berkeley-based PowerLight will come together today to turn Southern California's copious sun into a money-saving power generator for Los Angeles consumers.       NWRFC raises Lower Columbia River runoff forecast   SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 31 (Reuters) The Northwest River Forecast Center (NWRFC) on Thursday significantly raised its long-term forecast for runoff at some of the region's huge dams along the Lower Columbia River.       Avista offers `Buck a Block' wind power   Feb 01 - Spokesman Review Avista Utilities will formally launch its wind energy program Friday, but a few alternative energy enthusiasts have already signed up.       City briefing: Minister puffs house of straw   Feb 01 - The Guardian The world's largest and most efficient straw-fired power station was opened yesterday by Brian Wilson, the energy minister, who announced pounds 7.3m of further support for bio-fuel projects.       U.K. Utility Puts 600 MW U.S. Wind Biz On The Block   Feb. 3 (Power Finance & Risk) U.K. utility Innogy has put its U.S. wind farm business up for sale and hired J.P. Morgan to find a buyer. Special Offer from this Publisher!       People     Enron Choices Received Bush Posts   By MARCY GORDON AP Business Writer, WASHINGTON, Feb 01, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- A few months after the White House got a list of recommended candidates from former Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay, a friend and backer of President Bush, two of them were appointed to a federal energy commission.       Accounting Agency Chief Has Reputation for Integrity   By Tom Walker, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Feb. 2 People who know him volunteer the same phrase in describing David Michael Walker, U.S. comptroller general and head of the General Accounting Office: "straight arrow."       Head of Enron's Internal Probe Walks Tightrope as Board Member, Law Dean   By Pete Slover, The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 1 The man conducting Enron Corp.'s internal investigation of its collapse -- Enron board member and University of Texas Law School Dean William C. Powers Jr. -- is navigating a maze of potential conflicts of interest.       Enron's Demise Troubled Executive before His Death, Friends Say   By Bruce Nichols, The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 1 Cliff Baxter spent 10 years climbing to the top of Enron Corp. before quitting as vice chairman last May, telling co-workers and friends he was going to take his millions and enjoy life with his wife and two children.       Watchdog Groups Criticize Texas Attorney General Candidate's Link to Enron   By Max B. Baker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas, Feb. 1 The Republican candidate for state attorney general is drawing criticism from public watchdog groups for being employed at a law firm that earned hundreds of thousands of dollars lobbying for Enron.       Enron Exec.'s Credibility at Stake   By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press Writer, WASHINGTON, Feb 02, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- It's not just his company that is weighted with debits.       Harvard Corporation member in spotlight for Enron board seat   By Joseph P. Flood, CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan 31, 2002 (Harvard Crimson, U-WIRE via COMTEX) --  The ever-expanding investigations and government probes into last fall's surprise collapse of energy giant Enron Corp. has highlighted the role played by one member of Harvard University's Corporation in the management of the company.      Labor/Human Resources     California Agency Investigates Worker Safety at Power-Plant Construction Site   By Erin Waldner, The Bakersfield Californian, Feb. 2 Cal/OSHA is investigating employee safety at the La Paloma power plant construction site near McKittrick, an agency spokesman has confirmed.       Workers at Enron Wind Power Facility in Tehachapi, Calif., Laid Off   By Erin Waldner, The Bakersfield Californian, Feb. 1 A furlough at Enron Wind's Tehachapi facility went into effect last month.       Dominion Virginia Power Continues to Eliminate Jobs   By Michael Davis, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va., Feb. 1 Dominion Virginia Power is cutting white-collar and supervisory jobs, possibly including several in Hampton Roads, as it continues to restructure its operations.       Ex-Enron Employees Face Tough Times   By LISA FALKENBERG Associated Press Writer, HOUSTON, Feb 01, 2002 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- With his credit card in hand, laid-off Enron Corp. employee David Hunker went to the supermarket last month to buy all the Lean Cuisine meals he could stuff in his freezer.       Ex-Enron Workers' Fund Receives $400,000   Jan 31, 2002 - United Press International A fund created to aid former Enron employees received nearly $400,000 in donations in the past week, mostly from politicians and political groups returning Enron contributions, the Greater Houston Community Foundation said Thursday.       FirstEnergy Corp. Cuts 340 Jobs in Berks County, Pa., after Merger   By Don Spatz, Reading Eagle, Pa., Jan. 30 FirstEnergy Corp. said Tuesday that it is eliminating 340 Berks County jobs or 22 percent of its local work force in a cost-cutting move following its $4.5 billion purchase of GPU Inc. in November.      Fuel     Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Faces Big Challenges before Trains Roll   By Jeffrey Pieters, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn., Jan. 31 With four years pursuing regulatory approval finally at an end, what comes next for the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad?      Environmental     Study Will Help Shape Future of the Tennessee River   By Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Feb. 2 The Tennessee Valley Authority, which reshaped the Tennessee River with its dams and reservoirs in the past century, may shape the river's future in this century through a new 2-year study being publicly launched this month.       Is Bush Planning Kyoto Clone for U.S.?   Feb. 1 (Electricity Daily) Rumors are flying in Washington that the Bush administration will shortly propose a broad climate change action program as an alternative to the Kyoto Protocol. Special Offer from this Publisher!       Nuclear     Callaway, Mo., Nuclear Plant Shut Briefly Due to Malfunction   By Josh Flory, Columbia Daily Tribune, Mo., Feb. 1 The Callaway Nuclear Plant has been shut down for repairs, and a federal inspection team has been sent to investigate a malfunction at the reactor.       Federal Panel Grants Hearing on Nuclear Fuel   By Bruce Henderson, The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Feb. 1 A federal panel has granted a formal hearing on a claim that using surplus bomb material to fuel the Charlotte area's two nuclear power plants would be unsafe.       Court Approves Nuclear-Waste Storage Site in New London, Conn., Area   By Izaskun E. Larraneta, The Day, New London, Conn., Jan. 31 A federal court judge approved an agreement Tuesday that allows Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Co. to build a spent nuclear-fuel storage complex the size of a football field on residential land in Haddam Neck.       NRC says to look into pump problem at Mo. nuke   NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) said late Thursday that it will look into circumstances surrounding the malfunction of an auxiliary feedwater pump at the 1,125-megawatt (MW) Callaway nuclear power plant located near Fulton, Missouri.       U.S. nuclear plants said well protected from attack   By Chris Reese, NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) Despite new warnings of a possible attack against U.S. nuclear facilities, industry officials said on Friday their power plants are well protected and only minor security changes have been necessary since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.       French nuclear agency rates incident at EDF plant as level 2   PARIS, Feb 01, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) --  The French Nuclear Safety Authority, ASN, has rated an incident that occurred at Electricite de France's Flamanville nuclear power plant as a Level 2 accident, the agency said Friday.       Claims on a nuclear future are dismissed   Feb 01 - The Herald - Glasgow CLAIMS by environmental campaigners that the door has been left open for a new generation of nuclear power stations, subsidised through tax breaks and promoted by relaxed planning laws, were dismissed by government sources last night.      Financial     Despite troubles, not all Covanta bonds are alike   By Chris Sanders, NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) Independent power producer Covanta Energy Corp.'s financial troubles are hurting more than $2.3 billion of municipal debt linked to the company, but analysts said some of the bonds are in much better shape than others.       Fund, Money Managers Kept Buying Enron Stock Despite Plummeting Share Price   By Scott Nelson, The Boston Globe, Feb. 2 A plummeting share price didn't stop mutual funds and money managers from adding Enron Corp. stock to their portfolios in the months before the Houston energy company filed the largest corporate bankruptcy in US history, new analysis shows.       Bush Plan Disputes Tennessee Valley Authority's Budget Approach   By Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Jan. 31 When the Tennessee Valley Authority adopted a new budget last fall, directors of the federal utility bragged that they would boost power generation, cut air pollution and improve electricity reliability while still paying down the agency's debt this year.       Tougher rules in the works for Enron-type deals   By Deepa Babington, NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) Dogged by pressure after the Enron debacle, accounting rule makers are rushing to tighten standards for complex financing vehicles that went to the heart of the energy trader's collapse.       Bush touts pension reform without mentioning Enron   WASHINGTON, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Without mentioning Enron Corp. by name, President George W. Bush told Americans on Saturday he would reform pension rules to protect workers like those who lost their retirement savings when the energy trader and Bush campaign contributor collapsed last year.       Creditors Will Mull Enron Plan   Feb 01 - Associated Press Some of Enron Corp.'s creditors say it's far too early to tell whether they can get more out of a smaller company focused on moving electricity and natural gas or from an all-out liquidation.       After Enron Controversy, Questions Raised about Employment of Accountants   By Robert Manor, Chicago Tribune, Feb. 3 Although critics say it's a clear conflict of interest, accountants freely take jobs with clients they audit, a widespread and increasingly controversial practice highlighted by the collapse of Enron.       NY Comptroller asks NYSE to stiffen accounting rules   NEW YORK, Jan 31 (Reuters) - The New York State Comptroller on Thursday called on the New York Stock Exchange to stiffen its accounting rules for listed companies -- preventing auditors from also working as consultants for the same firm -- in order to restore investor confidence in the wake of Enron Corp.'s collapse      Financial - Ratings     RESEARCH ALERT-Deutsche Banc cuts Mirant to 'market perform'   NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown on Friday said it cut power trader and generator Mirant Corp. to "market perform" from "buy," based on the impact of its split credit rating and a lower near-term energy market outlook.       RESEARCH ALERT-Goldman ups Constellation Energy rating   NEW YORK, Feb 1 (Reuters) Goldman Sachs on Friday said it raised its rating on Constellation Energy Group Inc. from to "market outperform" from "market performer" after the new management of the Baltimore-based company said it would increase its dividend by 100 percent and offered a comprehensive plan for integrating merchant energy operations.      Financial - Results     Dallas-Based Utility TXU Corp. Reports $76 Million Loss for Fourth Quarter   By Victor Godinez, The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 1 TXU Corp. posted a $76 million fourth-quarter loss as the company sold some assets, completed a restructuring to comply with Texas' new deregulation guidelines and calculated its losses from the Enron Corp. bankruptcy.       San Jose, Calif.-Based Power Company Posts Quarterly Earnings of $104 Million   By Reed Fuji, The Record, Stockton, Calif., Feb. 1 Calpine Corp., the independent power company that proposed building power plants in Stockton and Altamont Pass, reported Thursday fourth-quarter earnings of $104 million and full-year net income of $680 million.       DQE reports Q4 loss as company takes $78.3 mln charge   PITTSBURGH, Jan 31 (Reuters) Water and electricity provider DQE on Thursday reported a fourth-quarter net loss, as the company took a $78.3 million restructuring charge on a change in its strategic direction.       NZ's UnitedNetworks on acquisition trail   AUCKLAND, Feb 1 (Reuters) - New Zealand electricity and gas utility UnitedNetworks Ltd said on Friday it had potential to match last year's strong performance and was in good shape to acquire more assets.       Idacorp fourth-quarter earnings down 16 percent   BOISE, Idaho, Feb 1 (Reuters) Utilities holding company Idacorp Inc. said on Friday its fourth-quarter earnings fell 16 percent, pulled lower by a drop in revenues from its Idaho Power electric utility due to warmer than usual winter weather.       CH Energy earnings rise, helped by tax credits   POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., Feb 1 (Reuters) Utility holding company CH Energy Group Inc. on Friday said fourth-quarter earnings nearly doubled, helped by investment tax credits that offset a sharp drop in sales.       TransAlta profit slips, cost cuts deepen   CALGARY, Alberta, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Fourth-quarter profit at TransAlta Corp., Canada's top investor-owned power generator, fell 11 percent due to slumping electricity prices, and the company said on Friday.       Warm Weather Cited in OGE Energy Corp.'s Loss in Fourth Quarter   By Rick Robinson, The Daily Oklahoman, Jan. 30 OGE Energy Corp. cited warmer weather as it reported a fourth-quarter net loss Tuesday of $6.3 million, or 8 cents a share, compared with net income of $7.2 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter.       Black Hills profit sinks 78 percent   NEW YORK, Jan 31 (Reuters) Black Hills Corp., an energy and broadband communications company, on Thursday reported a 78 percent drop in its fourth-quarter earnings, and said lower gas and electricity prices as well as charges related to Enron Corp. hurt its results.      International     Philippine power privatisation lures foreign firms   MANILA, Feb 3 (Reuters) Power companies from Britain, Canada and the United States have shown interest in investing in the Philippines' National Power Corporation (Napocor) due to be privatised later this year, the government said on Sunday.       Dahbol Power receives four initial bids for Enron stake   BOMBAY, Feb 01, 2002 (AFX-Asia via COMTEX) --  Indian lenders to the Dabhol Power Co Ltd have chosen four initial bids for the 85 pct equity stake held by the collapsed Enron Corp and its associates, PP Vora, chairman of the Industrial Development Bank of India said.       Russian companies win tender to restore Iraqi power plant   By Konstantin Machulski, AL KUWAIT, Jan 31, 2002 (Itar-Tass via COMTEX) --  A consortium of Russian companies has won a tender to restore power plants in Iraq, the Iraqi newspaper Al-Thawrah says in its Friday issue.       UK Ofgem issues final proposals for National Grid system targets   LONDON, Feb 01, 2002 (AFX-UK via COMTEX) --  Ofgem, the UK's gas and electricity regulator, has issued final proposals to National Grid Co for enhancing existing system operator incentives.       Panel hears of U.S. steps to 'design' energy markets   TOKYO, Feb 01, 2002 (Kyodo via COMTEX) --  A U.S. energy official told an industry ministry panel Friday of the importance of market design in forestalling crises in a liberalized energy market, a ministry official said.       Bankrupt US Energy Firm Silent on Steel Project in Mozambique   MAPUTO, February 1, 2002 (Xinhua via COMTEX) --  The bankrupt American energy company Enron has still not contacted the Mozambican government about the future of the Maputo Iron and Steel Project (MISP), of which Enron was the sole shareholder.       Italy govt sees extra 15,000 MW in electricity capacity from power plant move   ROME, Feb 01, 2002 (AFX-Europe via COMTEX) --  A decree cleared today by the cabinet to accelerate the construction of power plants is expected to boost the installed production capacity by 15,000 megawatts, Industry Minister Antonio Marzano said without giving a timeframe.       Fox Orders Postponement Of Electricity Rate Increase   MEXICO CITY, Feb 1, 2002 (El Economista/Corporate Mexico by Internet Securities, Inc. via COMTEX) --  Mexican President Vicente Fox ordered the Energy ministry to halt its plan to reduce the subsidy on residential electricity prices, in order to reduce the impact on Mexicans' expenses, reported Mexico City daily el Economista.       Government discloses one more meeting; AFL-CIO focus on Lord Wakeham   By ROBERT BARR Associated Press Writer, LONDON, Feb 01, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Prime Minister Tony Blair's government on Friday disclosed an eighth meeting between ministers and executives of Enron Corp., while a major U.S. labor organization said it had asked other companies to drop a British member of Enron's board from their panels of directors.       KEPCO to invite bids for 30 pct of unit Powercom   SEOUL, Feb 03, 2002 (AFX-Asia via COMTEX) --  Korea Electric Power Corp said it will invite bids for 30 pct of the equity in its subsidiary Powercom.       Raise taxes on fossil fuels, urges leaked study   Feb 02 - The Daily Telegraph HIGHER taxes on fossil fuels and a new generation of nuclear power stations are likely to be needed in the next 20 years, says a leaked report commissioned by Tony Blair.       More Losses Likely at British Energy   Feb 02, 2002 - The Guardian Unlimited British Energy, the nuclear power generator, shocked the market yesterday with a warning that output from its loss-making UK plants will fall below expectations next year.       Prince Charles' charity says it received $1.12 M US from Enron over 8 years   ED JOHNSON, LONDON, Feb 02, 2002 (The Canadian Press via COMTEX) --  Executives at Enron Corp. donated 800,000 pounds - the equivalent of $1.12 million US - to Prince Charles' charity The Prince's Trust and also met with him at charity dinners, the organization and a palace official said Saturday.   [IMAGE]     Powered by Energy Central   ? 2002 CyberTech, Inc. All rights reserved.  More News         [IMAGE]   [IMAGE] Top    [IMAGE]  RESTRUCTURING TODAY      [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] February 04, 2002     Calif PUC gives up right to fix prices      Calif PUC to reset competition's time of death      Energy West expects big growth in  converging market Actually making money in market right now      First Viagra ads now this      FERC finds Company A lost $310 million in soft market Avista gets clobbered as drought ends      Davis wants 30% drop probed      Davis tries to link opponent with Enron      Tauzin sets big Enron week for Commerce Committee        Powered By US Publishing   ? 2002 US Publishing. All Rights Reserved.  More Info     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE] Top    [IMAGE]  UTILITY SPOTLIGHT     [IMAGE]    [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] January 29, 2002    Citing Distraction of Many Probes, Lay Forced to ResignAs Enron Head      Power Marketing -- Pacific Northwest?s ?Uniqueness? Seen As Test for Competitive Power Future      D.C. Current -- NRC Chief Says Terrorism Threat Remains Uncertain for Nuke Plants      D.C. Current -- DOE Opens Bids to Add Oil to SPR      Communications & PR -- Dynegy?s Marv Bradshaw Answers Questions on Deregulation Benefits      Communications & PR -- Newark, NJ      Communications & PR -- Barclays Capital      Communications & PR -- Washington      Communications & PR -- Awards      Natural Gas -- Land Management?s Drilling Okay Seen Creating Environmental Battle      Natural Gas -- Con Ed Report Fuels Opposition to Pipeline      Natural Gas -- Anadarko Cutting Spending to $2B. Down 50%      Natural Gas -- EmCap, Michael Petroleum Execs in New Venture      Nuclear -- LEU Imports Harming US Uranium Industry?ITC; U. S. Duties Awaited      Nuclear -- Maine Yankee Awarded $44M in Settlement      Around the Circuit -- Appeals Court Overturns SEC Okay Of AEP $4B C&SW 2000Takeover      Around the Circuit -- CPUC Sets Rate Procedure for SoCal Edison      Around the Circuit -- CA Power Authority Pushing Green Energy Sources      Who?s News      Rates -- New Standard Offer Prices in Maine To Provide $100M Annual Savings      Rates -- Scottish Power Expected to Boost Gas Bills by 6%      Rates -- Anaheim PU Offers Incentives for Photovoltaic      Contracts      PG&E?s 4 Post-Bankruptcy Units Likely Investment-Grade Rated?S?      Financial Focus: OPPD Still Meeting Reliable Service Goal        Powered By Utility Spotlight   ? 2002 Utility Spotlight. All Rights Reserved.  More Info     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE] Top    [IMAGE]  RER'S EMETRIX LOAD FORECAST: CAL ISO     [IMAGE]   [IMAGE]  [IMAGE]  Actual and forecasted hourly load for CAL ISO.  [IMAGE]  CAL ISO Chart    Powered By RER   ? 2002 RER. 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