How to Solve Power Problem

I did some work for Southern California Edison a few years ago, just after deregulation was going into effect. People conveniently have forgotten that our utilities had their own power generating capacity (Los Angeles still does and is sitting pretty) but had to sell it as part of deregulation.

I was heartened to hear Gov. Davis threaten to use the state’s power of eminent domain to acquire the power plants if need be. Now that seems to have been forgotten. If the state bought the plants for what they paid plus an escalator for the time since acquisition, sold the plants back to the utilities and again regulated electricity, the utility/deregulation mess would be solved, but we still have to solve the problem of our wasteful ways.

LARRY STAHL

Mission Viejo

* It seems to me that all those people (the stockholders) who have for years been making money on Edison profits now should shoulder the responsibility of paying for the company debt. They sure as heck did not share those profits by lowering our rates. The mistake, the debt, belongs to those who were responsible--the company and its stockholders.

As a matter of fact, stockholders of all companies who go into bankruptcy should be held liable for the debts. Even in bankruptcy, the stock continues to have some value.

RALPH ECHAVE

Newport Beach