The state of Maryland rejects a smart meter proposal based on problems in California, and tells the utility to go back to the drawing board to offer consumer tools such as an in-home display unit that would give up-to-date information on energy consumption.

As smart meters become more common in U.S. homes, they are triggering complaints that they're causing an increase—not a decrease—in utility bills.

TURN questions what good SDG&E's Montana wind farm will do for customers in San Diego.

Prop 16, PG&E's attempt to block competition, raised awareness about alternatives to PG&E.

Props to California voters. They are smarter than most pundits and political consultants give them credit for being, as evidenced by two failed attempts to buy their votes in Tuesday's election. PG&E doubtless thought it could overcome initial distaste to Prop 16 by pouring $46 million into the campaign, but even the shiniest paint job can't make a Yugo look like a Bentley.

Prop 16 is unfair, deceptive and anti-competition. Additionally, PG&E is asking to raise rates, while spending millions on a ballot initiative and paying their CEO close to $10 million.