31.   The two utilities also agreed to pursue joint operating ventures that will save both companies money and to cooperate on state and federal legislative issues.

32.   The two utilities are suing each other over costs related to the failed merger.

33.   The two utilities had expected quick approval from the commission and had scheduled meetings to work out the details so that the two companies could merge by January.

34.   The two utilities were forced to buy power on an uncontrolled wholesale market, while state regulations prevented them from passing their costs on to customers.

35.   This had made the sale of assets like the three utilities more urgent, added Ecclestone.

36.   Unlike in many proposed mergers in the industry, the service areas of the two utilities were not contiguous and the companies did not want to combine their rates.

37.   Lawmakers and Davis are considering several plans to help the two utilities regain their financial footing, including purchasing their transmission systems to give them much-needed cash.

38.   Of the two utilities, SoCal Edison appears to be the closest to financial calamity.

39.   Soon the other utilities were cut as well.

40.   The crisis has led to rolling blackouts over the past few months and warnings from the two utilities that they were sliding toward ruin.