My name is Mike Travieso. I am the People's Counsel of the State of Maryland. For the most part, consumer advocates represent residential and small commercial consumers. First, I would like to commend Chairman Barton, the members of the Committee, and your staffs for your consistent recognition throughout your careful deliberations that it is the impact of your actions on consumers of electricity that is of paramount importance. We look forward to continuing to work with you in developing policies and legislation that benefit all consumers and complement what many states have already chosen to do.
Electricity is an essential component of modern life.
We will have accomplished very little if the end result of our labors is to bring competitive benefits to only a small segment of the electricity market, while rendering basic service less affordable and less reliable for all other Americans. I also want to commend you for holding this hearing specifically on the California energy crisis. I think we can learn much from our friends on the West Coast. While it is interesting to compare and contrast the retail schemes in California to other states such as Maryland or Pennsylvania, I want to take the few minutes I have before you today to talk about wholesale markets. The fact is that each state retail plan will differ to accommodate the particular needs of its own, but the need for a federal role to assure a vibrant wholesale market remains constant.