( March 26, 2001 )

Governor Rick Perry will sign a proclamation declaring April "Texas Electric Choice Month" at a Capitol press conference on Wednesday, March 28.

Following brief remarks from the Governor, Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) Chairman Pat Wood, Commissioner Brett Perlman, Sen.David Sibley, and Rep. Steve Wolens will answer questions from the media. Also in attendance will be former PUC Commissioner Judy Walsh.

The proclamation signing and press conference will be held in the Governor's Press Room adjacent to the Governor's Reception area at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28.

Wood and Perlman will provide an update on the Texas Electric Choice Pilot Program, under which 5 percent of the state's investor-owned utility customers can choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) -- the company that provides their electricity.

Wood and Perlman, along with Sen. Sibley and Rep. Wolens -- principal authors of the law permitting competition for electric service -- also will explain why Texas will avoid many of the problems California is experiencing under its restructuring plan. State lawmakers and the PUC have taken measures to ensure Texas has an ample supply of power to meet the demands of Texas homes and businesses.

Texas Electric Choice is the PUC's public education campaign to inform Texans of their right to choose a REP. In the competitive electric market, the PUC will continue to enforce customer protections and regulate the delivery of electricity to ensure the safety and reliability of electric service.

Full competition for electric service will happen for most Texans on January 1, 2002. Customers of electric cooperatives and city-owned electric systems should contact their electric utility to learn whether their systems will be participating.

During the month of April, communities throughout Texas will hold Texas Electric Choice flag-raising ceremonies and other events to inform local residents about their right to choose the company that provides their electricity.

So far, approximately 20 towns and cities have scheduled flag-raising events across the state throughout the month of April.