Sen. Michael Enzi, chairman of the Subcommittee on Securities and Investment, has announced a hearing at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 29, on S.206, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001.

"Are people paying more for their electricity, more to heat their homes during this cold winter because of a 1930s era law that discourages much needed investment in utility infrastructure? We'll be exploring this question and possible ways to improve the grim situation being endured by many Americans who are faced with utility rate increases that are beyond extreme," said Enzi. "We are feeling the ill effects caused by lack of a national energy policy and we must consider all the options available to us and act soon to improve the situation."

The bill, an important component of the planned overhaul of federal energy policy, would repeal the Public Utility Holding Act of 1935 and transfer oversight of public utility holding companies from the Securities and Exchange Commission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and appropriate state agencies. S. 206 was introduced in the 107th Congress on January 30 by Sen. Richard Shelby and others.

WHAT:
Subcommittee on Securities: "The Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2001"

WHEN:
10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 29, 2001

WHERE:
Room 538, Dirksen Senate Building

WHO:
Mr. Isaac C. Hunt, Jr.
Commissioner
Securities Exchange Commission

Ms. Cynthia A. Marlette
Deputy General Counsel
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Mr. David M. Sparby
Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs
Xcell Energy

Mr. David L. Sokol
CEO and Chairman
Mid-American Energy Holdings Company

Mr. Charles Acquard
Executive Director
National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA)