Promoting Electrotechnology Careers and Public Policy

28 Sept 2000

The Honorable Dennis Hastert
US House of Representatives
2263 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515-1314

Dear Rep. Hastert:

The IEEE-USA adds its support to that of the North American Electric Reliability Council and other public-spirited electric power organizations for prompt House passage now, in this session of Congress, of legislation to promote and ensure the continued reliability of the electric grid in the United States and throughout North America.

IEEE-USA represents approximately 240,000 electrical, electronic and computer engineers in the USA. Its Energy Policy Committee, consisting of members expert in all aspects of electrical power, generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization, agree that there are at least three major areas of concern with the present state of the country's electrical grid:

• The ongoing decline in the quality and reliability of electric power will seriously impact the nation's economy.
• No single state is large enough to assure economic and reliable operation of the electric power infrastructure.
• Reliability and economic efficiency can only be achieved at the regional and national level.

Federal legislation is essential and urgently needed, this month, to provide a legislative foundation for the reliability of electric power through a self-managing industry reliability organization with the power to set standards for quality and reliability. Enforcement of these standards must be buttressed by federal legislation.

House enactment of legislation passed in the Senate, S.2071, the Electric Reliability 2000 Act, now held at the House Desk, or a separate House of Representatives bill, is a must to protect the reliability of the North American transmission grid. Reliable electric power is critical to the economy, the environment, and national security. Without this legislation, consumers are exposed to increased risk of power outages and blackouts and widespread failure of the transmission grid as more and more demands are placed upon it by restructuring.

Congressional enactment of this legislation now is an essential step to ensuring the continued reliability of the nation's high-voltage electricity system. This action cannot wait for the next Congress. Please act now.

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Williams at 202 785-0017, ext 8331. Thank you for your support and action.

Sincerely,

Merrill W. Buckley, Jr.
President, IEEE-USA

Richard Wakefield
Chair, IEEE-USA Energy Policy Committee

(Sample of letters sent to House/Senate leaders
and House Commerce Committee)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - United States of America
1828 L Street, N.W., Suite 1202, Washington, DC 20036-5104
Office: (202) 785-0017 * Fax: (202) 785-0835 * E-mail: ieeeusa@ieee.org

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Last Update:  28 Sept. 2000
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