Experts in electricity and water to discuss California's energy crisis, the economy and the challenges of deregulation

The impacts of energy deregulation on California and the perils of doing the same to water will be discussed by former U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and Adan Ortega Jr. of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, respectively, during the 2001 Economic Briefing and Business Exposition, hosted by The Business Press.

April 16, 2001

April 16, 2001 — The impacts of energy deregulation on California and the perils of doing the same to water will be discussed by former U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and Adan Ortega Jr. of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, respectively, during the 2001 Economic Briefing and Business Exposition, hosted by The Business Press.

In spite of the negative impacts resulting from energy deregulation, legislation is being considered to convert California's public water delivery system to an "open market."

At the April 18 event, local economist John Husing will present his annual economic briefing and updated forecast for the Inland region. Riverside Public Utilities Director Tom Evans will join Ortega in separate speeches on the potential impacts of water deregulation.

Tickets for the luncheon can be obtained by calling 909/980-7330.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 17 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.