direct access 8 10 01 brief summary main issues regarding direct access continue follow progress keep updated summary direct access designed break utility monopolies key component california 1996 deregulation law concept customers could directly access energy provider regulated utility debate direct access heart complicated attempt solve california costly power crisis determine whether businesses residential customers pay bulk state future energy purchases also could determine whether southern california edison state cash strapped 2 utility avoid bankruptcy whether deregulation survive form big businesses free market advocates alternative energy providers lobbied state legislators find way keep called direct access state prepares sell 13 4 billion bonds begin paying debt legislators energy officials say must prevent big businesses wiggling obligation closing direct access escape route regulators concerned businesses flee system state stuck much electricity long term electricity contracts 2021 would mean residential ratepayers would stuck paying bulk 43 billion future power costs point enraged consumer groups currently 88 000 customers buy energy direct access per cec statistics including 10 000 large commercial industrial customers 78 000 residences alternative service providers shifted customers back california primary utility suppliers socal ed pg e sdg e earlier year prices skyrocketed could longer compete utility rates capped legislature california legislators argue direct access keystone latest edison bailout plan sponsored assembly speaker pro tem fred keeley plan 3 600 largest businesses would agree pay 3 1 billion edison debts 15 years exchange businesses would allowed secure power contracts 2003 without first paying exit fee fees parties would exempt remain undetermined however would include surcharge complicated calculation businesses would pay percentage future energy purchases likely whatever compromise legislators able reach regarding direct access california business community extreme difficulty accepting terms ensure efforts resolving direct access dilemma abate fears collapsing state budget lawmakers gone far introduce two bills one sponsored sen bowen defeated july second assemblyman dave kelley would rescind language previous legislation authorized public utilities commission block direct access california puc thus far stayed decision matter expected rule august 23 rd complicating issue wall street state bankers led j p morgan nervous selling much 13 4 billion planned state bonds businesses currently largest ratepayers state governments find way system bonds meant repay state 8 2 billion power buying costs far year cover future costs business residential electricity customers would repay bonds surcharge utility bills businesses allowed sign outside energy providers revenue stream would jeopardy