Of course, here in California, natural gas utility companies are rate regulated by the Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") and have their property assessed annually at fair market value (i.e., no Proposition 13 protections). The first few lines of text on the PUC’s website say it all: “The PUC regulates privately owned telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies, in addition to authorizing video franchises.” (www.puc.ca.gov) As you may be aware, rate regulation is the reason that PG&E, SoCal Gas, and SDG&E CNG stations are forced to keep their gas prices low in contrast to CE. Anytime those utilities want to raise rates for non-commodity CNG services they must petition the PUC.
Normally, I'm anti-regulation and in favor of smaller government. But, for some reason, CE gets my goat. Yes, their stations are usually well-maintained. But is it worth an extra 50ยข, or more per GGE? Not in my opinion.
Normally, I'm anti-regulation and in favor of smaller government. But, for some reason, CE gets my goat. Yes, their stations are usually well-maintained. But is it worth an extra 50ยข, or more per GGE? Not in my opinion.
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