30-807. Consumer outreach and education


A. Public power entities shall be responsible for ensuring and overseeing a
comprehensive public education program regarding electric generation service
competition. Public power entities and the commission shall coordinate their respective
rules and procedures for public education programs to promote consistent implementation
statewide. The program shall be designed to do the following:


1. Educate retail electric customers about the changes in the electric industry.


2. Provide retail electric customers with accurate and unbiased information so that
retail electric customers may make informed choices when participating in the competitive
electric generation service market.


3. Encourage public participation in the decision making process relating to
establishing a competitive electric industry.


B. Public power entities shall work with interested parties including community
based consumer advocate organizations to develop and implement an outreach and education
plan. This plan shall include:


1. The dissemination of information by means of interactive approaches, as well as
brochures or other written materials and a variety of mass media outlets.


2. An explanation in clear and plain language of the basic concepts of competitive
electric generation service including the following issues:


(a) The effects of competitive electric generation service on retail electric
customers and consumer programs.


(b) The basic responsibilities and risks retail electric customers assume with
competitive electric generation service.


(c) The basic criteria for selecting a retail electricity supplier or provider of
other services.


(d) Where the retail electric customer can find information on consumer protection,
customer complaints and dispute resolution programs.


(e) The resources available for additional information including listing a toll
free telephone number.


3. Publicized public forums conducted in several geographical areas of this state
to obtain public input and provide opportunities for exchange of questions and answers.


4. Targeted efforts to reach rural, low income, elderly, non-english speaking,
disabled, minorities and at-risk populations.