The Utah Legislature is considering the issue of electric power deregulation. Deregulation would allow consumers a choice of electric power marketers. This is similar to the choice of long-distance telephone companies that customers now have. Several states have passed legislation for deregulation, with many other states studying various approaches. The federal government is looking at mandating deregulation.
Last fall the Utah Legislative Task Force on Electrical Deregulation and Consumer Choice voted to continue to study the complex issues of deregulation during the coming year. Such action is wise. Some legislators are pushing for a bill to forego any more study and implement deregulation by January 1, 2000. By waiting until a future legislative session to enact deregulation, Utah can benefit from the experience, both good and bad, of other states who already have deregulation. Utah enjoys relatively low electrical rates with high reliability of service. Deregulation is championed by large industrial users and power marketers who will benefit from deregulation. Their benefit should not be at the expense of small residential customers and small businesses.Current electric power providers in Utah include Utah Power and approximately 30 municipally owned public power entities such as Murray City Power. Whatever form Utah deregulation eventually takes, it should not result in a degradation of existing rates and reliability for municipal- or investor-owned power companies. Public power in Utah has enjoyed a long and proud history of service to its customers. May it continue to do so in a new competitive environment.
Lew Wood, chairman
Murray City Power Advisory Board