(Sept. 9, 2004) -- The 9th circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that California can seek nearly $3 billion in refunds for electricity customers who paid high prices during the 2000-2001 "energy crisis."

A three-judge panel said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had wrongly decided that it could not order retroactive refunds...but the Court stopped short of ordering FERC to make the refunds. Instead, the Court sent the issue back to FERC for further proceedings.

We provide coverage by Reuters on a link below.

CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in response to the appeals court decision, "I think the 9th Circuit Court's decision is a fantastic one. Californians deserve refunds to fairly compensate them for the excessively high prices they paid during the energy crisis. The Court's action today gives clear direction to FERC that they should issue significant refunds to California ratepayers who were overcharged. I will continue to fight for Californians and work to lower energy costs for all consumers."

Reuters coverage at: Court Decision Opens Door for CA Power Refunds.