Prop. 9

Glen Evans (letter, Oct. 23) is incorrect when characterizing the utility companies as victims of deregulation. The utility companies have worked hard to scare the public into believing that passage of Prop. 9 is nothing short of disaster. By voting for Prop. 9, everyday consumers are saying to the utility companies that we do not accept the underhanded way they have chosen to stay in business. The threat of deregulation had the utility giants lobbying hard and spending freely to sculpt out a plan that would not only keep them in business, but also protect their profits. The success of their efforts resulted in California electric ratepayers paying upward of $24 billion for the utilities’ inefficient nuclear power plants and $ 7 billion in the principal and interest on bonds that were sold to pay for our 10% rate cut.

If Prop. 9 passes, those costs are passed back to the utilities and their shareholders, where they should be. Threats of lawsuits should not sway our votes for consumer rights. Deregulation as it stands now has nothing for the little citizen, and everything for the utility companies. Vote yes on 9.

CLARENCE-JON HEISLER

Santa Monica