cozy relationship cdwr iso end question propriety might end access control room toby eckert copley news service august 21 2001 washington electricity buyers state expected lose access power grid control room next month california congressman raised questions propriety arrangement spokesman california department water resources began buying electricity state ongoing power crisis denied move response rep doug ose objections crisis longer acute less need water resources personnel access independent system operator control room folsom said oscar hidalgo water resources spokesman basically trying cycle said ose r sacramento spotlighted water resources department access control room house subcommittee hearing aug 2 prepared statement charged arrangement allowed water resources department cherry pick power purchases ose said arrangement violated federal regulations possibly cost californians billions dollars potential refunds federal energy regulatory commission said department water resources contracts subject refunds state seeking priced power contending agency competitive advantage among access room four energy consultants state fired owning stock power company purchasing electricity appointees gov gray davis oversee iso water resources department hidalgo said water resources personnel needed access control room coordinate power purchases crisis situation order keep lights california something necessary felt said best minimize exposure material intended usage comments echoed iso president terry winter defense practice house subcommittee numerous long term power contracts place threat blackouts receding water resources set goal removing personnel control room sept 1 hidalgo said six water resources personnel still access room said last week winter sent memo ose listing nine people access room 14 others longer access copyright 2001 union tribune publishing co