White House aides have stressed there are no short-term solutions to the problems, a stand criticized by some Democrats, including California Gov. Gray Davis, who want temporary price controls.

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Gov. Gray Davis and consumer advocates blamed electric deregulation and price gouging by the utilities, for the situation.

CNN: California briefly declares Stage Three power emergency

They see the internet as a baneful reality that has ended the high-end shopping experience and ushered in price comparison shopping (ouch), consumer review sites (eww), and gray market dealers (the horror).

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