• Oil, Natural Gas, and Electric Deregulation



• Stopping the Nuclear Relapse



• Interactive Map of Proposed New Reactors



• The Case Against Nuclear Power



• The Case for Renewables and Efficiency



• Energy Legislation



• Press Room



• Congressional Voting Records



• Take Action!

Creation of long-term contracts during the California Energy Crisis

In January 2001, a working group comprising of government officials and representatives from Enron, Reliant, Williams and other energy corporations later found to engage in fraudulent business practices was formed to address California’s energy crisis. Treasury’s David Wilcox and Lee Sachs, members of this working group, solicited suggestions from Enron Energy Services employee Susan Mara for resolving the crisis. Because Treasury heavily redacted documents related to this working group, Enron’s suggestions and input are not available. But it is known that Enron was pushing for immediate long-term contracts, billing California consumers for the full cost of wholesale prices charged by the likes of Enron, and a continued market-driven approach to finding solutions. Because Treasury has not turned over the complete record of the meetings of this group, Public Citizen has submitted follow-up requests to Treasury under the Freedom of Information Act for more information

Email: Enron employee suggests solutions to California energy crisis: Susan Mara, an Enron employee, responds to solicitations from Treasury staff for possible solutions to the California energy crisis.  Her suggestions may have been included in Working Group recommendations.

Email: Enron employee suggests solutions to California energy crisis: Susan Mara's timeline and implementation plan for suggested solution to California energy crisis.

Report on Long-Term Contracts: 01/12/01 Working Group on Long-Term Contracts (included staff from government agencies and employees from major energy companies) recommendations for solutions to West Coast energy crisis (redacted, uncleared version)

more resources

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.