I have written an article on the current power situation in California. My intention is to write a sequel comparing the structure in the U.K.
Most of the research for this, apart from the experience of a recent stay in San Diego on business, was derived from following links from Yahoo Full Coverage of the issue
Just as I prepare to write a comparison with the UK system, I find there are two systems to describe! Next Tuesday (27th March), the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA) come into force, replacing the current Pool system. The details of NETA are available from OFGEM, and that will be my main source for the details when they appear here.
Here is a picture I took of Encina Power Station, mentioned in several of the sources for the California article.