Energy Agencies Fare Well in Proposed Budget

Energy Agencies came out slightly ahead in the governor's financial blueprint released January 10. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed raising the California Public Utilities Commission's annual budget to $1.229 billion - up from $1.217 billion in 2005. The California Energy Commission is slated for $327 million - $10 million more than last year's budget but $206 million less than last year's expenditures. At the Energy Commission, attention to climate change would add nearly four full-time positions, for a staffing increase of $612,000 - with one new position in renewables, one in efficiency, and one in petroleum, according to CEC spokesperson Claudia Chandler. Alternative transportation fuels would account for another $500,000 increase. Both the renewable recovery trust fund and the Public Interest Energy Research portions of the commission's budget were down, but Chandler noted that they were reverting to "normal" levels. The Energy Oversight Board budget is also up - $3.9 million, from $3.7 million last year. An increase in personal taxes allows for the steady augmentation, according to Schwarzenegger. However, much of the additional funds is already earmarked in structural guarantees, such as educational spending. Most of the proposed CPUC budget increases are not energy related. They include $9.9 million devoted to the telecommunications "bill of rights." Another $1.4 million would be earmarked for rail safety. However, global warming does seem to hold the administration's attention. There would be a redirection of 12 worker positions to expand energy efficiency and promote solar power under the climate change moniker. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates (formerly Office of Ratepayer Advocates) would get an increase of $154,000 for a lead attorney. The division fought for its own legal staff through the legislative process last year. While DRA didn't get complete independence from the commission through the Legislature, it did squeeze out some concessions, such as its own, unshared attorney (Circuit, March 4, 2005). The budget must be vetted and approved by the Legislature.

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Energy Agencies Fare Well in Proposed Budget

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