Companies that had no incentive to offer lower prices, better service, or new products are now being required to compete for customers. Consumers will save money on their electric bills. Lower electric rates will also make businesses more competitive by lowering their costs of production. By promoting energy conservation and the use of cleaner and more efficient technologies, competition will lead to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and conventional air pollutants. Nevertheless, the full benefits promised by competition can be realized only within an appropriate Federal statutory framework.
Federal action is necessary for state restructuring programs to achieve their maximum potential.
Electrons do not respect state borders. Electricity markets are becoming increasingly regional and multi-regional. Actions in one state can and do affect consumers in other states. My written remarks go into greater detail about the issues that are helping to shape the debate on restructuring. However, I do want to briefly outline the six critical issues that must be addressed by Federal restructuring legislation.