My understanding that California had to look outside the state to supply its energy because regulations were so difficult that energy companies decided not to build more plants.

>We've got enegry pricing problems here and it has nothing to do with regulations preventing the growth of capacity but has lots to do with fixed pricing for in-province generated electricity and 'spot rates' for "imported" electricity. So corps. that had generating capacity out-province and nearby bought generation facilities here then promptly put them into "maintenance" (shut down for repair, upgrade, whatever) causing a shortage that is nicely addressed by spot-rate importation from THEIR out-province plants. Underhanded and immoral in my opinion despite being a clear and simple "business decision".
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>Now it seems to me that in CA there have been proofs of 'fixed' control software that favoured importation and convictions of ENRON people for (mis)playing the system for illegal gains. None of those things, it turned out, had much to do with regulation preventing building capacity and I understand that prices have stabilized since the (criminal and immoral) discoveries.
>I also understand that the industry 'won' anyways because before the irregularities were discovered/confirmed regulations were loosened and now lots more generation capacity is available or on the way.