Public Citizen opposes state and federal rubber-stamp approval of mergers that would result in utility combinations even larger than the infamous Power Trusts of the 1920s and 30s that collapsed. Modern mega-mergers have been faciliated by the 2005 repeal of the Public Utility Houlding Company Act (PUCHA).
Learn more about PUCHA and the impacts of its repeal.
Consumers are threatened by the trend toward utility consolidation, as the larger companies will span multiple states, undermining the ability of local officials to protect consumers. Without meaningful consumer protections, these sprawling energy companies will have less transparent corporate structures, particulary as oil companies, investment banks and hedge funds move to acquire electric utilities.
Reply Testimony of Consumer Advocates to Maryland Public Service Commission on Constellation FP&L Merger (6/13/06) Consumer Advocates File Intervention and Protest of Constellation-FP&L Merger Before FERC (4/11/06)
Consumer Advocates File Intervention and Protest of Constellation-FP&L Merger Before Maryland Public Service Commission (4/11/06)
Public Citizen Files Lawsuit Challenging FERC's Approval of Exelon-PSEG Merger (2/15/06)
Public Citizen's Appeal of FERC's Order Authorizing the Duke-Cinergy Merger (1/26/06)
Public Citizen's Appeal of FERC's Order Authorizing the MidAmerican-Pacificorp Merger (1/9/06)
Comments on Proposed Merger of Exelon and PSEG (11/18/05)
Comments Opposing Merger of Duke Energy and Cinergy (11/18/05)
Comments Opposing Merger of MidAmerican Energy and Pacificorp (11/18/05)
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