In an attempt to deter other utilities in the state, Californiaregulators Nov. 5 slapped a $1.68 million fine on Pacific Gas andElectric Co. for allowing an unregulated energy services affiliateto violate newly created state rules earlier this year governingthe use of the parent company name and logo. The PG&E utilitycompany expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal the decision,which requires the penalty be paid out of shareholder funds.
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Arkla Begins Unbundling Process
While neighboring LDC Oklahoma Natural Gas continues its attemptto stave off unbundling, Arkla moved forward last week with acollaborative process involving stakeholders that is intended toproduce a downstream unbundling plan next April with full retailcompetition by October 1999.
Charges Wipe Out PacifiCorp 1Q Earnings
The cost of PacifiCorp’s failed attempt to buy Britain’s TheEnergy Group showed up in its first quarter earnings report. Thecompany reported first quarter 1998 earnings on common stock of$104 million, or 35 cents/share, excluding $70 million charge forU.S. job cuts, and a $54 million charge for the terminated bid forEnergy Group. Including these charges, the Company reported a losson common stock of $20 million, or 7 cents/share.
Technicals Push April Futures Lower
The April Nymex contract fell 2.9 cents to $2.292 on Monday,following the spot month’s failed attempt to clear a majorresistance level. “April was in a two hurdle race today, but ittripped on the second hurdle,” a trader told GPI. “On the one hand,April was able to break out of the symmetrical triangle formationby moving above $2.34. However, April immediately fell back once itfilled in the chart gap at $2.355. There were quite a few standingsell orders at that price, so it’s no wonder the contract fellback,” he said.