Michael Shames, executive director and co-founder of the San Diego-based consumer watch-dog group, Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) will speak at SIPA's Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy, Wednesday, April 4, at Noon, Room 1118, School of International and Public Affairs, 420 W. 118th Street at Amsterdam Ave.

Shames has been active in the recent debate about California's energy crisis and has most recently been active in lobbying the California Governor Gray Davis to purchase transmission systems as part of the energy crisis solution. As a consumer advocate, his expert opinion has been sought as California tries to curb its shortage and keep prices down. UCAN represents the interests of San Diego residents in energy, telecommunication and Internet matters before the state and federal regulatory bodies.