Electric Restructuring Panel To Hold Meeting in Lawton Wednesday

A special task force on electric restructuring will hold its second meeting in Lawton on Wednesday, September 19th.

State Senator Kevin Easley, chairman of the Electric Restructuring Advisory Committee, said the panel is in the process of touring the state, gathering information and seeking public input on how Oklahoma should proceed with the complicated issue.

"In order for us to avoid the mistakes made by other states, namely California, it's critical that we seek out as much information and input as possible. Because this is an issue that will literally affect every citizen in our state, public opinion is a key component of our review," said Sen. Easley.

Earlier this year state lawmakers voted to delay any plans for electric restructuring and appoint a special panel to conduct further study. The nine-member committee is examining a variety of related issues, including the viability of the state's electric transmission network.

The Electric Restructuring Advisory Committee must report back to state leaders at the end of 2002. The panel includes representatives from the Legislature, the Governor's office, the Corporation Commission, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the State School Superintendent's office and the Attorney General's office.

The meeting in Lawton on Wednesday is the second official gathering of the committee. It held its first meeting in Oklahoma City in August.

What: Meeting of Electric Restructuring Committee
When: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 19th, 2001
Where: Lawton, Cameron University campus, Shepler Center (Mezzanine Room)