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Group Opposed To Texas-Style Retail Electric Choice Launches, Cites Winter Event In ERCOT
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An organization known as Power for Tomorrow (PFT) recently launched, and is a group opposed to electricity deregulation and in favor of a, "traditionally structured utility market."
PFT said, "Together, Power for Tomorrow’s coalition of experts will engage in educational efforts in
support of consumers and sensible regulated utility markets."
This has begun with the
launch of an advertising campaign in Virginia to advocate against deregulation in the
state.
PFT states, "The tragedy in deregulated Texas after Winter Storm Uri catalyzed the launch of PFT. Despite its dangerous flaws, some stakeholders are still trying to deregulate electricity markets in America. In fact, a number of well-funded groups exist to promote utility restructuring and deregulation. We decided it was important push [sic] back on this reckless agenda by offering a practical analysis of how regulated utilities are best positioned to produce reliable electricity, protect consumers, and adapt to the quickly changing energy landscape; all while allowing states to pursue their own public policy goals."
Power for Tomorrow said, "Weeks removed from the worst energy crisis in a generation, a new coalition
of energy, consumer, business and policy thought leaders today launched Power for
Tomorrow (PFT) to educate the public about the failings of electric utility deregulation
and advocate for sensible, consumer-focused energy. PFT has been founded on the
belief that efforts to promote deregulation across America create significant risks for
customers, as evidenced recently in Texas where the state’s electric system was
incapacitated by cold weather."
"Sensible utility regulation is the best way to protect the public’s interest in receiving
reliable electricity at reasonable rates. We’re proud to launch today as a concerted
voice to protect consumers by ensuring they have access to reliable, affordable energy,"
said former FERC Commissioner Tony Clark, who is described as a, "PFT expert."
"The past year has
only emphasized the critical need for electricity in 21st century life. Whether it’s seeing a
primary care doctor via a tele-visit or taking part in virtual schooling, Americans can’t
afford to be without it. A well-regulated utility system improves reliability, protects
consumers from exorbitant price hikes, and promotes investment in infrastructure and
innovative clean energy technologies," Clark said
"Winter Storm Uri resulted in a tragedy that led to millions of Texans losing power for
days. Experts have noted that utility deregulation played a major role in the Texas grid
being unprepared for the cold weather event. PFT has been launched to act a [sic] resource
to educate consumers, the media, and lawmakers about the importance of a well-regulated utility system and reject efforts to adopt deregulation across America," Clark said
Elin Katz, former Consumer Counsel for the State of
Connecticut, former President of the National Association of State Utility
Consumer Advocates, who is also described as a "PFT expert", said, "When Connecticut passed electric utility
deregulation legislation, consumers were promised lower prices and greater innovation,
but what we saw was the opposite: price hikes, sky-rocketing bills, impediments to
progress, and gimmicks like phony airline miles and questionable gift cards used to lure
in customers for inflated electricity prices. It’s important that we do everything in our
power to ensure Americans have reliable, affordable access to electricity, a daily
necessity. This starts with saying no to deregulation and yes to smart, sensible, well-regulated utility markets. After decades of work to protect consumers, I’m proud to join
Power for Tomorrow to continue to educate consumers and the public on the benefits of
a traditionally structured utility market."
PFT said, "Sensible regulation is at core a consumer protection issue, and all electric systems
should be designed to first protect consumers as the need for electricity in everyday life
increases. The vertically integrated utility model, in which electricity generation,
transmission and distribution are fully integrated within one provider, is well positioned
to empower customers to benefit from the changing electric grid, while ensuring states
can protect customers, achieve public policy goals, and provide equitable access to
renewable energy. There are good reasons why this model is well established in the
majority of states: It produces reliable electricity, protects consumers, promotes
investment in infrastructure and clean energy, and ensures all Americans have access
to affordable power."
On Maryland’s decision to deregulate, "PFT expert" and former
Maryland Public Service Commission Chairman Steve Larsen said, "When
Maryland deregulated our utility markets, we saw rates increase by 50 to 75 percent. I
spent over 15 years working in state government under three different governors, and
the legislation to deregulate Maryland’s utility market was the worst decision I saw
made. PFT stands as a resource against this harm in Maryland, the recent devastation
in Texas, and in support of consumers nationwide so they don’t have to go through
these same unnecessary, avoidable hardships."
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March 30, 2021
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Copyright 2010-21 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com
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