In the case of electric industry deregulation, we have to forget the little detail that West Virginia already has some of the lowest rates in the country. In any case, the electric industry is about to become unregulated, as early as next spring. Proponents of deregulation sing the praises of competition. If you passed Economics 101, you know that free markets and real competition depend on several factors. Consumers need the information to make intelligent informed choices.
Studies show citizens rate environmental factors very high in deciding what electric power to buy.
Examples are wind and solar energy, sources that are renewable and that have low environmental impacts. Already in Pennsylvania, for example, a vigorous green energy industry has begun to develop since that state deregulated electricity. The deregulation plan adopted by the Legislature earlier this year recognizes citizens' right, and need, to know how electricity is produced. The plan mandates that consumers will receive disclosure statements as well as bills from their electric company. This will tell the fuel source for producing the electricity you buy and the environmental impacts of that kind of energy production.