Not too many years ago, our ancestors read by light from a candle, an open fireplace or an oil lantern. Do you recall that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879. It may surprise all that in 1891, the Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant, located near the mining town of Ophir, Colorado, was the world's first commercial system to produce and transmit alternating current (AC) electricity.
Across this county, electricity was first used to power street lights, factories, public buildings and work places like the mine in Colorado. First homes to get electricity were new homes built around 1905 - 1910. Development of the technology has been remarkable and not fully recognized or understood by many. The industry is complex.
Today, we give little thought to electricity, its origin, how it is produced or delivered to our home, office or business. Most take it for granted. We flip a switch and the light is on. The bill arrives each month and is paid. That attitude was perhaps acceptable prior to deregulation, but, assuredly, it is not now.
Since 1 January 2002, a large majority of Texans have been buying their power on an open market the same as food, gasoline and health insurance. We, as individuals, have been made to assume full responsibility for the shopping and purchase of our electricity.
I maintain that the market developed under the restructuring laws has not yet become truly competitive, lacks fairness and sufficient consumer protections. The interests of big business are favored over the consumer. Actions are needed to rectify the problem. Again, I urge all responsible citizens to join the fight to lower our costs.
Across this county, electricity was first used to power street lights, factories, public buildings and work places like the mine in Colorado. First homes to get electricity were new homes built around 1905 - 1910. Development of the technology has been remarkable and not fully recognized or understood by many. The industry is complex.
Today, we give little thought to electricity, its origin, how it is produced or delivered to our home, office or business. Most take it for granted. We flip a switch and the light is on. The bill arrives each month and is paid. That attitude was perhaps acceptable prior to deregulation, but, assuredly, it is not now.
Since 1 January 2002, a large majority of Texans have been buying their power on an open market the same as food, gasoline and health insurance. We, as individuals, have been made to assume full responsibility for the shopping and purchase of our electricity.
I maintain that the market developed under the restructuring laws has not yet become truly competitive, lacks fairness and sufficient consumer protections. The interests of big business are favored over the consumer. Actions are needed to rectify the problem. Again, I urge all responsible citizens to join the fight to lower our costs.
