Spotlight: Utility Referendum a Step Closer to Ballot

Consumer groups trying to reform the state’s utility deregulation law say they have enough signatures to force a referendum in November. The groups say they have about 650,000 signatures, more than the 433,000 needed. They want to change the law so consumers won’t be responsible for bonds used to refinance nuclear-plant debt and other obligations that utilities say would make them less competitive. They also want to double the residential rate cut to 20%. Key utilities weren’t available for comment.