For the first time, both of the state’s major private-sector utilities, Edison International and Pacific Gas and Electric Co., made the California Common Cause list of Top 10 contributors to state political campaigns for 1999-2000, ranking sixth and seventh respectively, each contributing more than $1 million.

In noting “record investments in winning candidates in the 2000 elections,” Jim Knox, executive director of the California consumer watchdog group, said “efforts to protect (the two utility giants) were a primary focus of the legislative efforts of the legislature and governor in response to the energy crisis.”

Edison International, parent of Southern California Edison Co., contributed $1.066 million; and the PG&E utility contributed $1.062 million, according to the Common Cause listing. By comparison, the top contributor, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, spent $2.3 million, and the second biggest contributor, the California Teachers Association, contributed $1.95 million.

“Contributions continue to skyrocket,” Knox said. “The amount given by the prison guards topped the previous record by 23%.”

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