Consumer Watchdog | Energy

Gas In State Up 10� In Week Investors, Weak Dollar, Refinery Problems Fuel Rise

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:47:00 PDT

Although experts have maintained for weeks that supply and demand levels don't support the nearly two-month-long rise in prices, the persistent increase has been fueled by investments in the futures markets, the declining value of the dollar, refinery problems and other seemingly unrelated factors. And consumers are feeling the pressure, said Judy Dugan, research director for Consumer Watchdog, a California-based group that identifies itself as fighting "corrupt corporations and crooked politicians." "Prices at the pump have risen for more than 50 days straight, which is a record and the reverse of other prices in the recession. This is very tough on consumers who are struggling with flat pay, fewer hours of work and layoffs," Dugan said.

Chevron Gives Schwarzenegger Another Big Check, An Advocate Cries Foul

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:28:48 PDT

Just days after the package of ballot measures that Schwarzenegger supported flopped in the May 19 special election, Chevron donated $250,000 to the governor’s California Dream Team political account. The big check came on top of $500,000 the oil company had already contributed to the push for the ballot measures. All that loot prompted Doug Heller, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, to dispatch a letter today to the Legislature’s top Democrats, saying Chevron is “seeking protection” from a potential oil extraction tax that could help California with its cash troubles.

Supply Up, Demand Down, But Oil Prices Rise

Sun, 24 May 2009 11:20:00 PDT

Another record-setting price spike? Gasoline rising back above $4 a gallon? "The fact it's going up now on nada, is proof that speculators are still in control," said Judy Dugan, research director with the nonprofit group Consumer Watchdog. "Unless there are curbs in place, it obviously could shoot through the roof again."

Pump Prices Jump In State Oil Grows Costlier -- Traders Betting On Further Rise

Fri, 22 May 2009 12:46:00 PDT

Judy Dugan, researcher with Consumer Watchdog, said energy prices shouldn't be going up, no matter if people are hopeful or if it's a seasonal rise. "It's typical behavior in a completely atypical time," Dugan said. Oil prices "have nearly doubled. Nothing else in the economy or world has doubled." Consumption is down, she said, and even if Memorial Day travel creates a demand bump, it's not enough to declare a recovery.

'Optimism' Is Driving Energy Prices, Consumers Will Suffer The Memorial Day Hangover, Says Consumer Watchdog

Fri, 22 May 2009 11:47:00 PDT

Oil, Gas Prices Rising Again At Record Clip For Holiday, Despite Oversupply, Low Demand, Says Group

Washington DC -- The price of regular gasoline at the pump has shot up 30 cents a gallon nationally in the last month and crude oil has nearly doubled, to $60 a barrel, since its low point in December, according to data from AAA and the federal Energy Information Administration. Steeply rising prices are tough on everyone except energy traders, said Consumer Watchdog.

Lower Gas Prices Expected to Fuel More Memorial Day Travel

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:43:02 PDT

"The fact that oil is over $50 per barrel, much less close to $60, doesn't make sense in a pure supply and demand market," said Judy Dugan, who tracks oil prices at Consumer Watchdog, a public interest group in Santa Monica. "It's scary to think that if gasoline can go up this much in a completely collapsed market like this, when businesses are shutting down and people are being thrown out of jobs and economizing in every way, how much will it go up when the economy recovers? $4? $4.50?" Dugan said told the Union-Tribune.

As President Obama Orders Tough Tailpipe Regulations, Consumer Group Offers 'A' to 'F' Solutions for Cleaner and Cheaper Transportation

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:16:00 PDT

Americans Want Green Solutions But Worry About Costs; Handbook Identifies Wasted Billions, Best Paths

Washington, DC -- As President Obama announces new national tailpipe emission standards modeled on California’s, Consumer Watchdog is releasing a report that outlines how to affordably make the transition. The nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group today sent to the White House and Congress its new “Road to Cleaner and Cheaper” handbook, which urges specific policies and grades vehicle and fuel choices on their cleaner/cheaper balance, from “A” for hybrid electric vehicles to “F” for fuel made from coal.

46% Spike In Gas Price Just Doesn't Make Sense

Mon, 18 May 2009 10:53:19 PDT

This conjunction of abundant supply and low demand should translate into cheap prices. But that isn't the case right now. “The fact that oil is over $50 per barrel, much less close to $60, doesn't make sense in a pure supply and demand market,” said Judy Dugan, who tracks oil prices at Consumer Watchdog, a public interest group in Santa Monica. “It's scary to think that if gasoline can go up this much in a completely collapsed market like this, when businesses are shutting down and people are being thrown out of jobs and economizing in every way, how much will it go up when the economy recovers? $4? $4.50?” Dugan said.

Utilities paid for PUC event

Sun, 17 May 2009 10:37:00 PDT

Commissioners Solicited Sponsorships; Ethical Questions Raised

Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson solicited money for an energy conference from many of the Midwest utility companies that the PUC regulates. Improper relationships between Minnesota PUC members and the companies they regulate led years ago to new ethics rules to prohibit contact with the utilities during pending cases. "This level of fraternity is unacceptable," said Judy Dugan, research director with Consumer Watchdog, a California-based nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer rights group. "They will owe something to these industries at some point."

$2 Gas Flows Again In State Summer Driving Season, Blend Changeover Cited

Thu, 07 May 2009 14:29:00 PDT

The Arkansas average price for regular gasoline topped $2 on Wednesday for the first time in more than six months. Demand for gasoline nationally was down another 1 percent last month, said Judy Dugan, researcher for Consumer Watchdog. "Yet prices are being shoved up by market speculation on nothing but hope that people will drive more," she added.

Exxon Profit at 2003-04 Levels 'Shows What Normal Looks Like,' Says Consumer Group

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:57:22 PDT

Despite 2/3 Drop in Crude Oil Prices, Oil Giant Boosts Bottom Line With Refining Profits

Santa Monica, CA -- Exxon Mobil’s first quarter profit of $4.55 billion dollars is small only by comparison to the last six years of nearly continuous profit records, said Consumer Watchdog. Its first quarter profit is more than $1 billion above what it made for the period in 2003 and about the same amount below its profit in 2004, the first two years of a boom that lasted until the current quarter.

Costco Settles 'Fair Fuel' Lawsuit

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:16:00 PDT

NEW YORK, NY -- Costco last week agreed to settle a lawsuit over the sale of hot gasoline -- gasoline above 60 degrees that expands, but is not accounted for at the pumps, resulting in consumers receiving less gasoline than they pay for.

Change, But Not Resolution, Since Big West Refinery's Shutdown

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:55:00 PDT

Now that the refinery is idle except for basic maintenance and safety operations, other refineries have been able to bridge the gap, said Susanne Garfield, spokeswoman for the state Energy Commission. But Judy Dugan, research director of Santa Monica's Consumer Watchdog, said that could change. "When the economy recovers... demand is going to go up, especially for diesel," she said.

SGV Water Rate Hike Proposed

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:59:00 PDT

PASADENA, CA -- Some residents of the San Gabriel Valley could be facing a more than 50 percent hike in water rates. The Pasadena Star News reports the California American Water company is asking for state approval of a 56 percent rate hike. Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica based consumer rights group, says it's up to the state to decide whether the rate hike should be allowed. The consumer group also says California American Water's rates won't be out of line with rates in the rest of the region if the increases are approved. The California Public Utilities Commission must review and approve the rate increases.

Costco Gas Prices Will Be Adjusted For Heat Expansion

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:56:00 PDT

Costco Wholesale Inc. has agreed to install new gasoline pumps at stores in California and 13 other states that will adjust prices when fuel temperatures rise above the industry standard of 60 degrees. "This is fantastic news for consumers," said Judy Dugan, research director of Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica-based advocacy group. "Costco is taking the lead in offering drivers gasoline that has the same amount of energy in every gallon, living up to its reputation as a consumer-friendly place to shop."

Costco Offer Would Fix Hot Fuel

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:29:00 PDT

For the first time in the U.S., a gasoline retailer has plans to fix hot fuel. Costco Warehouse Inc. has agreed to change its fuel pumps in several states so they compensate customers for the lower energy value of hotter-than-average gas and diesel. "Hurrah for Costco," said Judy Dugan, research director for Consumer Watchdog, a California public interest group. "Costco has a reputation for consumer friendliness, and frankly this carries that forward." Dugan said Costco had been under pressure from the oil industry not to settle.

Big Water Rate Hikes On Tap For Some Valley Residents

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:50:00 PDT

Some San Gabriel Valley residents could see their water rates go up by as much as 56 percent next year under a proposal by California American Water Company. Consumers have no choice but to rely on the state to guard against utility rate hikes, said Judy Dugan, research director at Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica-based consumer rights group. "The PUC is not exactly the most ferocious watchdog in this government," Dugan said. "Their policy on rate increases for everything from telephone to cable TV... doesn't appear to be vigilant."

Consumer Group Applauds Costco for Deal to Sell 'Fair Fuel,' Ending Hot Fuel Ripoff

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:32:00 PDT

Agreement for Costco Gas Stations Would Adjust Fuel for Temperature in Several States -- Oil Companies Will be 'Making Fairness Illegal' if They Try to Stop Costco Deal, says Consumer Watchdog

Santa Monica, CA -- Costco has agreed to settle a lawsuit over the sale of “hot gasoline,” becoming the first U.S. gasoline retailer to do so and setting a possible national precedent, said Consumer Watchdog. The group applauded the discount chain and urged others to break ranks with the oil industry and sell “fair fuel.”

Costco To Install Hot Fuel Sensors

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:33:00 PDT

Big warehouse discounter Costco has reportedly agreed to put in the equipment needed to ensure you get all the gas you pay for. The advocacy group Consumer Watchdog says an announcement is expected any day now.

Pacific Ethanol slams conventional wisdom in indirect land-use change at California Low Carbon hearings

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:18:00 PDT

In a related development at the California AARB hearings, it was revealed that the California Energy Commissions Vice-Chair and Presiding member, James Boyd, is married to the COO and Chief of Staff of the Western States Petroleum
Association, an oil industry trade organization. Consumer Watchdog has protested Boyds presence in matters involving the oil industry.

Lawsuit Over Gas Pricing Revived

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:12:00 PDT

An appeals court rules that a class-action case alleging a conspiracy by oil refiners in the 1990s should proceed.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday revived a class-action lawsuit accusing Arco, Chevron and several other refiners of conspiring to fix gasoline prices during the mid-1990s. But the same panel expressed doubt that the plaintiffs would be able to prove their case. Judy Dugan of Consumer Watchdog said she wasn't sure whether the case could be proven, but added that "almost any gas station will tell you that the refiners are fixing the price to keep it high." Dugan said that the state attorney general's office "ought to demand more and better information from refineries about what they pay and on exactly how they set their prices."

Consumer Group Letters Charge Conflict of Interest in Oil-Friendly Outcome of California Fuel Temperature Study

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:30:00 PDT

Gov. Schwarzenegger, Assembly Speaker Bass Asked for Action to Protect Consumer Fairness

Santa Monica, CA -- Consumer Watchdog has filed a state complaint that a conflict of interest affected the outcome of the California Energy Commission’s study on the costs and befits of fixing the “hot fuel” ripoff in the state. The group also asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to request the resignation of the energy commissioner who led the study, and in a letter to Assembly Speaker Karen Bass asked that she disregard the recommendations of the conflicted study, which the energy commission approved last week, and pass legislation that is fair to consumers.

No Benefit To Motorists In A 'Hot Fuel' Fix, State Panel Says

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:16:00 PDT

California Energy Commission says the costs of compensating for gasoline temperature would outweigh the gains in fuel volume.

Amid allegations of conflict of interest, the five members of the California Energy Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to tell lawmakers there was no benefit to fixing service station pumps to end an inequity that may be costing Californians millions of dollars a year. Activists charge that the vote was tainted because the lead commissioner on the case, James Boyd, is married to an executive vice president of the Western States Petroleum Assn., an oil industry group in Sacramento. Santa Monica-based Consumer Watchdog says documents it recently obtained under the California Public Records Act suggest that Boyd used his influence to manipulate findings in a staff draft report so they might favor some oil companies.

Documents Show Political Appointees Interfered With Cal. Energy Commission Study Of Hot Fuel Ripoff To Protect Oil Companies

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:15:00 PDT

Consumer Group Says Government Staff's Consumer-Oriented Findings Were Altered by Commissioners With Ties to Oil Industry

Santa Monica, CA -- Public documents retrieved by Consumer Watchdog reveal that, after private meetings with oil industry representatives, some of the California Energy Commission's politically appointed Board Members changed staff conclusions in a study of "hot fuel," in a way that protected the interest of oil companies.

California Consumer Groups Dispute 'Hot Fuel' Report

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:31:00 PST

Two consumer rights groups in California are claiming that the lead energy commissioner involved in a gasoline "hot fuel" study has a conflict of interest because his wife serves in an executive position with the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). One of the groups, Consumer Watchdog, sent a letter to Commissioner James Boyd on Feb. 9 about his potential conflict of interest, and on Feb. 24, Consumer Watchdog and Public Citizen filed a request for public records of the California Energy Commission, seeking correspondence between energy commission staff and Commissioner Boyd.