Texas Restructuring Plan Best in U.S.

In its most recent biannual industry report card the Retail Energy Deregulation (RED) Index, CAEM ranks states according to 22 attributes the Center has identified as the foundation for an effective transition to competition.

Texas, which more than doubled its 2001 score, leads all other states with a score of 69. "The RED Index update illustrates that when it comes to electric restructuring, Texas is doing it right," said Rebecca Klein, chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) - the agency responsible for overseeing the transition to a competitive electric market in Texas.

"For most people, shopping for electricity is still a new concept, but more and more Texans are taking advantage of new options available to them - and they're saving money as a result," Klein said. "There is still work to be done, but, overall, we're pleased with the way things are going." Texas' retail electric market opened for full competition on January 1, 2002.