Energy Bill a Step Back for Clean Power, Foes Say

Written by Ucilia Wang

The battle over a California ballot measure that would require utilities to sign more long-term contracts to buy renewable energy is heating up this week with the launch of a TV ad opposing the initiative.

According to the commercial, Prop. 7 will exclude small renewable-energy providers from the energy market and increase consumers' energy bills. The group behind the ad, Californians Against Another Costly Energy Scheme, received funding primarily from utilities such as the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PCG Quote), Southern California Edison Co. and others.

Prop. 7 proponents, Californians for Solar and Clean Energy, tout the initiative as an aggressive move to promote energy from sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and ocean waves. ...