NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE UTILITY CONSUMER ADVOCATES
R E S O L U T I O N

Urging Congress and the States to Support Consumer Education
Initiatives so Consumers can Make Informed Choices
Among Providers in Competitive, Restructured Utility Markets

WHEREAS some traditional utility monopolies are now being required to open their markets to retail competition;

WHEREAS competition in long distance telecommunications markets demonstrates both the advantages of competition for the well-informed consumer and the opportunities for exploitation of the uninformed consumer;

WHEREAS in states that have opened utility markets to competition, consumers have been reluctant to participate in programs when they do not fully understand their options;

WHEREAS to realize the benefits of competition, consumers must be informed in a timely way so that they understand their options and can have meaningful participation in the marketplace;

WHEREAS, an unbiased, comprehensive, understandable and continuing education program is necessary to inform consumers of the service and price options available to them;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NASUCA urges Congress and the states to adopt policies that support and fund timely, unbiased consumer education programs that will result in well informed utility consumers who participate in the competitive marketplace and receive the benefits of competition and restructuring; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NASUCA authorizes its Executive Committee to develop specific positions and to take appropriate actions consistent with the terms of this resolution. The Executive Committee shall advise the membership of any proposed action prior to taking action if possible. In any event, the Executive Committee shall notify the membership of any action taken pursuant to this resolution.

Approved by NASUCA:

Submitted by: NASUCA Consumer Protection Committee

Seattle, WA
Place

June 10, 1998
Date

Robert Tongren (OH), Chair
Keith Beall (IN)
Anne Becker (IN)
Dian Callaghan (CO)
Brady Cantrell (KS)
Paula Carmody (MD)
Andrew Dembia (NJ)
Rick Guzman (TX)
Susan Henry (PA)
Jim Hurt (GA)
Herbert Jones (DC)
Phyllis Kimmel (DC)
Alfred Levine (NY)
Robert Manifold (WA)
Gerry Norlander (NY)
Heather Sabrie (OH)
Tony Sade (WV)
Marilyn Skibinski (NV)
Marie Spicuzza (IL)
Ralph Spory (AR)
Gary Stewart (IA)
Michael Travieso (MD)
Stephen Ward (ME)
Letitia Wiggins (DC)