Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 12, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke pleased with results of California energy meeting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gov. Gary Locke said he was pleased by comments made today by California Gov. Gray Davis about his plans to stabilize and bring down electricity prices in his state.

Locke and Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber went to Sacramento to discuss the Western energy crisis with Davis.

"Governor Davis has embarked on an assertive conservation plan that should easily yield energy savings around 10 percent, as we have requested of our citizens in Washington and Oregon," Locke said.

"In addition, Governor Davis has assured us that his Legislature will enact a series of bills to address both the short- and long-term power situation," Locke said.

The pending legislation would make the state of California the purchaser of power from other states rather than state utilities now facing bankruptcy. That move should help stabilize power rates and reassure Washington utilities which have sold power to California and fear they won't be paid for it.

Locke said Davis reassured Kitzhaber and him of his full commitment to maintain the reciprocal relationships the three states historically have enjoyed. In that relationship, California sells surplus power to Washington and Oregon in the winter and the Northwest supplies surplus power to California in the summer.

The three governors today also called for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set temporary price caps for all of the western region.

Locke described today's meeting as "very frank and constructive." He added that all western governors will meet on Feb. 2 in Portland as part of an on-going discussion to resolve the energy issue. All three governors pledged to involve all the western states to develop regional solutions to the current energy challenge. That should be the goal of the western governors' meeting on Feb. 2, Locke said.

"We had positive, reassuring comments coming from Governor Davis today, and Washington and Oregon will remain vigilant in our efforts and discussions to resolve this," Locke said.

"The citizens of Washington can be assured California is doing its part and the three states will continue to work together," Locke said.

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