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About Bob:
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CONSUMER PROTECTION ESSENTIAL TO NEW UTILITY MARKET, ANTHONY SAYSJune 5, 2006In this time of corporate mergers and rapid changes in how companies provide what in the past have been regulated monopoly public utility services, it is extremely important for elected officials to ensure strong consumer protections remain in place, says Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony. Anthony was at the State Capitol Monday, June 5, to file for reelection to his position as one of Oklahoma's three corporation commissioners. "With the number of mergers among companies involved in providing what were once considered monopoly utility services, and the changes being made in how many other companies deliver those services, the old style of regulation from the 1990s and before just doesn't work in today's market," Anthony said. "New companies are entering the market with fresh ideas and more efficient ways of providing services. Wind power, phone service over the Internet, satellite communications and electric generation alternatives all present new considerations. "Customers have more choices, both in the types of services they receive and in the companies that provide those services. In the future, the Commission's role will shift from traditional regulation to one of providing consumers with comparative information and setting standards for companies that want to provide essential services such as telecommunications, electricity and natural gas. It is no longer a 'one size fits all' economy. "I support allowing customers to choose the services that best fit their needs. As a conservative, I don't believe that government has all the answers. But, we need to maintain some regulation and oversight to protect the consumer until competition takes hold. "A prime example of this new regulatory approach is the informal mediation process available at the Commission to assist oil and gas producers and gathering companies to resolve their differences without the expense of a formal hearing. The formal procedure remains an option in cases where the informal negotiations are not successful. "This new regulatory process will require people with business experience. From my education and business background, I understand that financial decisions must fairly balance the interests of both investors and customers," Anthony said. (Download this release in .DOC format.)
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Honesty. Integrity. ANTHONY.Last updated:
August 21, 2008. |
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