Southland

Power Compromise: The California Public Utilities Commission is expect to get a first formal look at a compromise proposal for electric industry deregulation when they convene Friday in San Francisco. The plan, which combines two other proposals for deregulating the industry, is being put forward by Southern California Edison Co. in conjunction with groups representing some of its largest industrial customers. The PUC is studying the issue with the intention of moving the electric industry toward market-based rates and lowering electric rates that are among the highest in the nation. The daylong meeting starts at 9 a.m. at the State Office Building, 505 Van Ness Ave. Further meetings are scheduled in September, with a final decision expected later in the year.