City campaign will focus on electric rates

Many Houstonians aren't taking advantage of competitive electricity rates to save themselves money, and that's ticking Mayor Bill White off. To make sure we all make the best decisions — or at least to give us the chance to — Mayor Bill announced a $1 million advertising campaign to tell Houstonians about their energy choices.

White said his action, intended to reduce Houstonians' costs in advance of hotter summer months, could also help consumers make better decisions over time. He said the effort also would help them pick companies with "green power" alternatives, reducing polluting emissions.

"We want to make sure people know what their choices are," he told City Council. "Something is wrong with the system. Consumers don't have enough information."

Information on competing electric rates is already available from the state's Public Utility Commission, but the PUC's budget for public education is dwindling. The city's campaign, which will be funded by non-taxpayer money, will begin this spring.