These cooperatives are locally governed by boards elected by their consumer owners, are based in the communities they serve and provide electric service in 46 states. The approximately 34 million consumers served by these community-based systems continue to have a strong interest in the Committee s activities with regard to restructuring of the industry.
Electric cooperatives comprise a unique component of the industry.
As the electric utility industry restructures, the electric cooperative will be an increasingly important option for consumers seeking to protect themselves from the uncertainties and risks of the market. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before the Senate Energy Committee to continue the dialogue on the restructuring of the utility industry. As the Committee knows, the electric utility industry is in a period of dramatic transformation. Twenty-six states have adopted laws or regulatory regimes that will eventually result in customer choice for electricity and related services. Virtually every other state is seriously reviewing whether retail choice is the right fit for their particular circumstance.