The introduction of legislation in the state Senate and House is an important step in the process of giving all the commonwealth's consumers and businesses the right to choose their electricity supplier, Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.'s chairman said Wednesday (3/27).

"PP&L supports the goals of the bills introduced by Sen. David Brightbill and Rep. Frank Tulli Jr.," said William F. Hecht, PP&L's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Both bills are appropriately aimed at ensuring that all customers enjoy the benefits of more competition in the electricity generation market -- a goal that PP&L fully supports.

"Competition in the generation market will provide benefits for the commonwealth, its citizens, electric utilities and their customers," said Hecht. "The introduction of bills in both legislative houses is a crucial step in the process."

Hecht said PP&L believes that a properly managed transition will result in Pennsylvania customers having the right to choose their electricity supplier within the next several years. "We are committed to working with regulators, legislators, customers and consumer groups to design a practical transition plan," Hecht said.

PP&L's chairman testified in favor of choice for all customers during state Public Utility Commission hearings in January. He also outlined PP&L's support for competition at a national conference of state consumer advocates in Washington last month.

He said PP&L will closely study the specifics of the House and Senate bills.

"As with any legislation that is this complex, we expect that there will be differences of opinion regarding some of the particular provisions in the bills," said Hecht. "We are looking forward to participating in the legislative process as it unfolds, and we will comment on the details of the bills as appropriate."

Sen. Brightbill, R-Lebanon, and Rep. Tulli, R-Hershey, announced the introduction of the bills in a Harrisburg news conference Wednesday.