UTILITIES: Power Politics

In the Pacific Northwest, where hydroelectric power is king, a fierce battle for the throne rages between private and public power companies. But private power is fast losing out. The biggest private company in Washington, Puget Sound Power & Light, nine months ago sold a $26.9 million chunk of its facilities to the city of Seattle, is now trying to unload the rest in one $97 million package to seven tax-free Public Utility Districts. "The P.U.D.s are crucifying private operators," says Puget Sound Power President Frank McLaughlin, and fighting them "is like...

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