In contrast to energy deregulation skepticism that has become prevalent in various states following the California debacle, more than three out of four Virginians say they are interested in the Commonwealth’s move to a competitive energy supply market, according to the latest Virginia Energy Choice (VEC) survey. The results show an increase from another survey taken earlier this year.

Sponsored by the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) VEC consumer education program and conducted by the Center for Research and Public Policy, the survey’s findings indicate that a growing number of Virginians want to learn more about the opportunity they may have to choose their electricity or natural gas supplier. Despite the fact that competitive energy service providers are not currently making offers to consumers, the survey revealed that 76.3% of Virginians are now interested in energy choice compared to 71.9% in March.

The survey also found that nearly 50% more Virginians say they have been exposed to the VEC consumer education program since the middle of last year. More than 43% of Virginians now say they have heard or seen VEC information compared to less than 29% in June 2001.

“Even though the competitive energy market has been slow to develop, we want to make sure that Virginians have the tools they need to continue learning about the new energy landscape,” said Ken Schrad, information resources director at the VSCC. “Virginia Energy Choice has free materials to assist consumers and help them make informed energy decisions as the market develops.”

Schrad said to date, more than 33,700 Virginians have visited the VEC website, and the information call center has served more than 11,500 Virginians. In addition, VEC has distributed 1.3 million easy-to-use consumer guides, including a Spanish version.

Schrad added that energy choice will spread across the Commonwealth in phases, with northern,southwest and central Virginia already underway. Hampton Roads starts by the end of the year. The commission has targeted January 2004 as a deadline for almost all of Virginia to at least have the opportunity to shop for energy supply service.

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