With Rate Hikes Certain, the 'Spin' Begins

LOS ANGELES-The decision by state regulators earlier this week to boost electricity rates by as much as 46% for millions of Californians has left legislators and civic boosters struggling to cast the huge increase in the best possible light.

Lawmakers-turned-spin-doctors went into overdrive moments after the state Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday approved a rate hike of 42% for some customers of Southern California Edison and an even steeper 46% increase for those served by Pacific Gas & Electric. The increases will effect 26 million residential and commercial utility users.

Though some legislators and business groups loudly protested any proposed rate increases just a few weeks ago, their tune has changed since the PUC took action barely 48 hours ago. Now, many are claiming that the double-digit rate hikes will actually be good for the state’s economy by forcing electricity users to conserve, thus avoiding mandatory blackouts as the weather gets warmer.