The utility industry is switching its lobbying efforts to state Senators. A bill which would deregulate Iowa’s electric utility industry is bogged down in the 100-member Iowa House, where it’s been under development for two years. This morning at 7:30, the 50 state Senators are invited to a statehouse breakfast hosted by “Iowans for Electric Choice.” Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows says the majority of the senators are not knowledgeable on the issue and need more information.Special Senate breakfast meetings hosted by the utility industry are scheduled today, tomorrow and Thursday. Iverson says some Senate meetings on the issue will be closed to the public. Businesses and other groups which back the electric deregulation bill are changing lobbying tactics in the closing days of the 2000 legislative session, hoping to convince Senators to pass the bill and pressure House members to pass it, too.
