Energy, Cont’d
Thirty-four days. That is the number of days this summer California’s Independent System Operator has estimated that we Californians will see rolling blackouts.
Eight. That’s the grand total of bills that have been signed by the governor, out of the nearly 200 bills that have been introduced in the Special Session called in response to our energy shortage. This may be a good thing considering very few of these bills would do anything to increase the amount of power flowing into the grid, the one thing that can withdraw the state from crisis. Either way, California’s troubles are far from solved.
Yet Gov. Davis would have you believe otherwise. He has consistently asserted that the worst is over. Until very recently, Gov. Davis assured us that he would avert most of the impending blackouts by bringing 5,000 megawatts of energy into the state by early summer. Unfortunately, there is very little evidence to suggest that Gov. Davis is correct on either of these counts. By best estimates, California will fall short by around 1,500 MW in June and July.
The governor further assured us that this crisis could be solved without increasing rates. However, realizing the inevitable, the Public Utilities Commission recently approved a rate increase that will average 40%. Had Gov. Davis acted last year at the outset of this crisis, higher rates could have been avoided altogether. (Reports indicate that businesses and the largest residential users will bear the brunt of the rate increase. This would be simply unfair.)
Last year, on at least two separate occasions, Republican legislators urged Gov. Davis to call a special session to deal with this crisis. We have urged the construction of “peaker” plants, small power plants that can be brought on line in a short period of time. Unfortunately, the governor’s foot-dragging means that it is unlikely enough peakers will be built to prevent rolling blackouts this summer. For our future, though, we must continue to build those peakers.
The governor recently announced his support of the Metcalf Energy Center, a 600-MW Silicon Valley power plant that has met with fierce local opposition to its construction. While we applaud his decision, there are several other plants facing similar impediments that should immediately be sited, including the repowering of the AES Huntington Beach plant.
California is straying dangerously close to economic ruin. Businesses are laying off employees or shutting down completely. Small electrical generators are pulling the plug because they are not being paid. Environmental groups are threatening to file lawsuits to prevent new home construction, arguing new houses would put more demand on our already-strained grid. Pacific Gas & Electric recently filed bankruptcy and Edison may soon follow.
Another utility bankruptcy is not desirable; the Legislature must act to remove constraints on our restructured energy market to prevent this from happening. If nothing else, California must make this state more accommodating to those wishing to invest in new power generation. More supply is the only escape hatch from this sinking ship.
Dick Ackerman
(Ackerman, R-Tustin, is a state senator whose district covers parts of northern and eastern Orange County.)
Fighting Cancer
I appreciate the kind words about my battle with prostate cancer in Rick Reiff’s April 9 OC Insider column. As a consequence of this article, I have heard from many more of my friends and associates from the Orange County business community. I am humbled by the outpouring of support and prayers. As all cancer survivors can confirm, the love and attention from friends and family make an incredible difference and stimulate courage and confidence.
The words about my condition have also connected me with many more recently diagnosed victims. The extensive research I have done is allowing me to guide, encourage and counsel peers who are facing identical challenges.
My homework has opened my eyes to many incredible insights. For instance, the second most frequently diagnosed cancer is prostate cancer. Most men die with, not necessarily from, PC. Only 2% of the diagnoses are of men under 60. However, this does not mean that many men in their 40s and 50s do not have early prostate cancer. In fact, those that have the disease early often,like myself,have an angry, aggressive, fast-growing, life-threatening cancer.
Finally, the male gender, unlike its female counterpart, is strangely resistant to testing, treatment and even discussion. Yet, the key to survival is, as always, early detection.
The real purpose of my letter is to strongly encourage in the most serious terms the importance of every male scheduling an annual PSA and DRE, preferably with a urologist. The former is an easy blood test. The latter is the dreaded rectal digital exam which is really very quick and not that unreasonable. In eight months, my normal PSA reading rose almost four points, well into the danger zone. The threshold is 0.75 increase in one year.
Early detection has allowed me to move quickly and decisively, armed with information and with time on my side. Please give yourself the same advantage, should you be unlucky enough to have prostate cancer.
Gary E. Liebl
(Liebl, of Cowan Heights, is retired chairman of QLogic Corp.)
Kudos
Great editorial, as usual, on April 9 (regarding businesses’ reaction to the energy crisis).
I would also like to compliment Rick Reiff on the OC Insider piece on Gary Liebl. It is so important to keep us males aware of prostate cancer, and we wish Gary all the best.
(Shirley and I love Rick’s column!)
Sam Stone
Managing Partner
Lyon & Lyon
Irvine
