Stiffed, the banks had to wait until it was clear Mirant wouldn't be able to save itself.

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

And it's bad news for the dicier power vendors, such as Calpine, Dynegy, Mirant and Reliant Resources, which may find it hard to find trading partners.

FORBES: Revenge of the wallflower

But then came July, when Mirant, Reliant Energy, Duke Energy, Dynegy and others took heat for their possible role in creating an artificial shortage during the 2001 electric power crisis.

FORBES: Where's The Juice?