Calif. officials look to pay off debts

SAN FRANCISCO -- California power officials, counting on customers to help settle part of the giant tab left over from the state's power crisis, decided Thursday that low-income customers won't have to chip in.

Those who receive electric rate discounts for medical needs and a swath of San Diego Gas and Electric customers were also spared from helping pay off $11.95 billion of bonds the state is selling.

With those exceptions, the Public Utilities Commission ordered Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Southern California Edison to pass on the charge to all residents and businesses in its 3-2 decision.

PUC officials say the charge likely won't raise rates immediately because the state will divert money already collected from customers to pay the bonds. However, the agency is scheduled next month to add charges for other debts incurred during the state's power crisis and won't know until December how much the state needs to recoup.