1-1 ****** NEED TWO-PAGE HEADER ****** 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 575 1-3 WHEREAS, In 1999, the Texas Legislature gave Texans the 1-4 power to choose the company that provides their electricity when 1-5 it passed Senate Bill 7, the Texas Electric Choice Plan; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Although the electric utility market does not fully 1-7 open to competition until January, 2002, the Texas Electric Choice 1-8 Pilot Program is now signing up customers, who would be able to 1-9 switch their electric utility provider starting June 1, 2001; and 1-10 WHEREAS, About five percent of the state's electric customers 1-11 have the opportunity to participate in the Texas Electric Choice 1-12 Pilot Program; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Consumers are encouraged to explore the program, 1-14 compare the rates and services offered by different providers, and 1-15 make an informed choice that is right for them; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Electric competition should keep the cost of 1-17 electricity reasonable, while encouraging the development of 1-18 new products and services for consumers; and 1-19 WHEREAS, The Public Utility Commission of Texas will continue 2-1 to regulate the transmission of electricity to ensure safety and 2-2 reliability, so that Texas' lights continue to burn bright; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Customers also will have their consumer rights 2-4 protected by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, including 2-5 protection from "slamming," or unauthorized switching of service; 2-6 now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-8 77th Legislature, hereby designate April, 2001, as Texas 2-9 Electric Choice Awareness Month; and, be it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared to 2-11 inform all Texans of this important initiative. 2-12 Sibley 2-13 ______________________________________ 2-14 President of the Senate 2-15 I hereby certify that the above 2-16 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-17 on March 28, 2001. 2-18 ______________________________________ 2-19 Secretary of the Senate 2-20 ______________________________________ 2-21 Member, Texas Senate