An Act relating to the provision of electric service in the state; and providing for an effective date

Updated: September 30, 1999

CSHB 81 (URS) is the result of testimony offered concerning electric utility restructuring (sometimes called "deregulation" or "competition") during the Fall of 1998 to the Joint Committee on Electric Utility Restructuring and further comments and suggestions presented to the House Special Committee on Utility Restructuring during 1999. Proposals allowing competition in the area of electricity services would present consumers with many choices and decisions. CSHB 81 (URS) indicates that if retail electric competition becomes available in Alaska that the Alaska Public Utilities Commission ("APUC") [note: will need to be changed to reflect the Regulatory Commission of Alaska in accordance with the last adopted during the 1999 legislative session] is to adopt regulations protecting consumers and providing them with certain information in order to make decisions. The APUC, currently, has the statutory authority to grant electrical competition even if the Legislature does not act.

This proposal is not unique among states that either have adopted or are working on electric utility restructuring. Michigan, Maine, and Vermont as well as other states have adopted electric consumers' bill of rights. The Electric Consumers Alliance has published a "Statement of Consumer Principles to Guide State Restructuring of the Electric Industry" (March 6, 1998). I feel that Alaskans should be offered some protection if competition comes to the electrical industry in Alaska.

Among the consumer "rights" covered in this legislation are: Right to Know (informative or educational materials to allow a consumer to compare price, quality, supplier service records and terms of service), Right to Choice and Right to Fair Dealing (provide choices and pricing options to all consumers without discrimination, one billing for services), Right to Redress (procedures for prompt, effective, and low-cost resolution of consumer complaints), Right to Privacy (records cannot be released that identify a consumer), Right to Service Quality and Required Code of Conduct and Oversight (establishment of minimum safety and service criteria and minimum standards for all suppliers or aggregators).

The bill further mandates regulations to require that electrical service providers must continue to provide service to residential consumers who demonstrate that economic hardship has prevented payment of a bill in full.

Your support would be appreciated.