DETAILS | Group's report

Highlights from the Ohio Consumers' Counsel report on the first year of electricity choice in Ohio:
BENEFITS
Cost savings of $10 to $110 annually.Protection against price increases as a result of a three- or five-year rate freeze during a transition period.Adequate power supplies even in humid months.
New choices for power supplies as Green Mountain Energy intends to construct a new solar power array in Kirtland and is also considering a wind-generating facility.Increased awareness of energy efficiency through consumers' counsel education efforts.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The state must develop a plan to spur competition in the Dayton Power and Light service area.The state must finalize rules for the mandated competitive bidding process that will begin at the end of the three- or five-year transition periods.The state must review metering and billing services to include more sophisticated meters that allow customers to monitor their own electricity use.The state must develop an effective energy policy that considers various issues including the environment, energy demands, efficiency and alternative energy sources. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission must ensure the implementation of a Midwest Regional Transmission Organization to oversee smooth, equitable cost-effective power flow in the region.FERC should refine the mechanism for monitoring market power to keep competition at the wholesale level.FERC should ensure sufficient power reserves in wholesale markets.