Analysts say this is a short term situation of 12 to 18 months. Illinois Power and other utilities across the state are launching a public service campaign to inform customers that additional help is available this year with high energy bills. Call volume is remaining high. We're handling about 5,000 requests a week to enroll in that plan. We are being more proactive.
More assistance is available to more people from more sources.
The American Gas Association in Washington, D.C., believes a national energy policy will ease the gas crisis. At the same time, other policies inhibit obtaining natural gas because of obsolete laws based on technologies of 20 or 30 years ago. Today's drilling equipment can go down vertically, turn 90 degrees and go up to five miles horizontally without causing environmental problems, Laramie said. Going forward, the United States will need every form of energy we can get our hands on. We feel optimistic because Congress is looking at energy needs for the next 20 years.