ENERGY

California Energy Utilities File Deregulation Plans: The state’s three publicly traded utilities moved a step closer to competitive pricing as they filed plans with federal regulators to convert their power lines to a common system and establish a spot electricity market. The move comes less than a week after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission adopted a rule requiring electric utilities to separate their two main products--the production of electricity and the transmission of the power--and charge a separate price for each. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. of San Francisco, Edison International of Rosemead and Enova Corp. of San Diego are seeking FERC approval for their plan, which calls for an independent system operator to manage transmission lines and charge access fees for use. Company executives said they aim to have the system in place by Jan. 1, 1998.