Note: Text Only Example. This letter was sent to several organizations.

April 10, 1997

As I am sure you are aware, the Commerce Committee is examining the question of whether or not the Congress should enact legislation concerning the electricity industry. This is a complex policy area, and it is important to have as full an understanding of the facts as possible before the Committee reaches any decisions.

In order to gain a better understanding of the relevant issues, I would appreciate your answers to the following questions. To ensure these are received on a timely basis, please provide your response by May 9, 1997. Please feel free to skip a question if you do not have enough information to answer it. Also, please feel free to send any additional comments you may have on these issues.

1. From your company's point of view, is it necessary for Congress to enact legislation bearing on retail competition, and why? If you favor legislation, please outline which issues should be addressed and how you think they should be resolved.

2. If the state(s) you serve has adopted or is considering adopting retail competition, what are your biggest concerns? Please be specific. Indicate how you are dealing with them and any recommendations you may have.

3. Whether or not you favor federal legislation, please indicate your position on the following specific issues (to the extent not addressed in your prior responses):

   a. A Federal mandate requiring states to adopt retail competition by a date certain. If retail competition is under consideration in the state(s) you serve, do you believe Congress should provide additional direction or authority?

   b. Recovery of stranded investment. If the state(s) you serve already has adopted retail competition, how was this issue addressed and are you satisfied with the outcome? If your state(s) is considering adopting retail competition, how would you recommend that this issue be treated? Do you think Congress should enact legislation relating to stranded cost issues, and if so what would you recommend? Is securitization a useful mechanism for dealing with stranded costs, and whom does it benefit?

   c. Reciprocity. Can states condition access to their retail markets on the adoption of retail competition by other states? Should Congress enact such a requirement? Could such a requirement create an incentive for states with low electric rates not to adopt retail competition, in order to keep cheap power at home?

4. If Congress enacts comprehensive restructuring legislation, should it mandate "unbundling" of local distribution company services? What effects would this have, and would they differ for various customer classes? Would this entail substantial expense, and who would incur any such costs?

5. Recently Chair Moler of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recommended that, as part of comprehensive legislation, Congress authorize the Commission to enforce compliance with North American Electric Reliability Council standards to help maintain reliability of service. Do you believe this is necessary, and why or why not?

6. What concerns does your company have with respect to the role of public power and federal power marketing agencies in an increasingly competitive wholesale electric market? In markets in which retail competition has been adopted? Are there concerns you would like to have addressed if Congress enacts comprehensive restructuring legislation? Should Congress consider changes to federal law as it applies to regulation of public or federal power's transmission obligations?

7. If Congress enacts comprehensive restructuring legislation, should changes be made to federal, state or local tax codes, and if so why? Please be specific.

8. What, if any, concerns do you have about the reliability of the electric system? If the industry moved to retail competition, will adequate reserves be available? Is the transmission system capable of handling full retail competition?

The Honorable John D. Dingell, Ranking Member
Commerce Committee Democratic Office
564 Ford House Office Building
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Sincerely,

JOHN D. DINGELL
RANKING MEMBER

Back to the Electricity Restructuring Home Page