Republicans trying to keep the electric deregulation bill alive

Republican legislators aren’t giving up on the bill which would deregulate electric utilities in Iowa, but opponents may win this round. If the bill becomes law, Iowans could shop around for a new company to provide them electric power. That accounts for about one-third of your utility bill as the rest covers maintenance of the lines and poles which transmitt electricity to your home or business, and your present company will still provide that service. House Republican Leader Christopher Rants of Sioux City admits prospects are dim for utility reform, but he’s still trying to line up “yes” votes. Time is running out, though, as legislators hope to complete their work for this year by mid-April.