Consumers will choose their electric generation provider, much the same way they now choose their long distance providers. It is anticipated that a free market may bring lower-cost services and more options to consumers. Consumers will be able to shop around for electricity, and even may be able to buy electricity at the grocery store, throug the mail or over the Internet. Consumers may choose to continue purchasing electric generation from their current energy suppliers. Every consumer should benefit from being able to choose an electric provider.
Choice brings competition.
Generation suppliers will compete with each other for customers. This competition should improve efficiency, provide better services, promote technological innovations and, eventually, drive down costs. Well-informed consumers will better understand the many choices available, and carefully choose the option which best suits their needs. There is no way to predict what electric rates will do. Significant consumer savings have resulted from the deregulation of other major industries.