Therefore, any such legislation must lead to a cleaner environment as well as lower electricity bills for all consumers. To ensure that electric industry restructuring yields real benefits to both consumers and the environment, we unite behind a common agenda. Require all power generation to face full and fair competition. Specific safeguards are needed to ensure that restructuring is not frustrated by policies and actions that protect today's monopoly-owned generators from competitive challenge by cleaner, more efficient, and less costly alternatives. Ensure universal, reliable, and quality service through strong consumer rights and protections.
Electricity is a necessity of modern life.
Restructuring should go forward only if all consumers, including residential and small business customers, enjoy lower bills, high quality service, and strong consumer protections. Strong residential customer service safeguards and service quality standards must be maintained. Programs and mechanisms that enable residential consumers with low incomes to manage and afford essential electric service must be institutionalized as a part of any industry restructuring. Expand the use of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Federal restructuring legislation should include affirmative measures to promote a transition to clean energy sources.