Issue Position: Rising Utility Costs

Issue Position

Ever since electricity was deregulated in Texas, the question of whether individual consumers were helped or hurt has been raised. Questions like these deserve fact-based answers. Protecting electric utility consumers is one of John Carona's legislative priorities.

"Now is the time to review entities like the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to make sure we are doing a better job of keeping your lights on and your rates low," says Senator Carona.

"The System Benefit Fund, known as Lite-Up Texas, is intended to be a lifeline for low-income electric users. Funds come from a portion of consumer electric bills, but most of the money is not going back out to those who should benefit from it. This program should do fully what you, the electric ratepayers, were promised. If not, it should be abolished and monies refunded."

Energy efficiency and educational programs have mushroomed in the last few years. However, they are split among multiple agencies without any central coordination or planning. John Carona believes Texas can do better, "I think we can streamline this fractured approach so the consumer, as well as state government, both realize savings."

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