California utilities question pricing by Williams

<br>(Tulsa-AP) -- Two California utilities want Tulsa-based Williams Companies to lose its authority to sell electricity at market rates. <br><br>The utilities are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory

Thursday, April 5th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Two California utilities want Tulsa-based Williams Companies to lose its authority to sell electricity at market rates.

The utilities are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to strip Williams of the power to sell at market rates. They contend Williams has charged unreasonable rates for electricity.

If approved, the rates Williams could charge would be set by the F-E-R-C.

Williams denies the allegation and says the effort is opportunistic and flawed. In a news release, Williams vice president Steve Malcolm says there is a temptation to find fault for high power prices outside one's own backyard.

The F-E-R-C has accused Williams and other companies of selling electricity at rates that are too high. Williams also denies that allegation.