Advocates and opponents of a bill which could dramatically change the way Iowans purchase electric service gathered at a statehouse hearing last night. Alan Thoms, chairman of the Iowa Utilities Board, says there are still issues to resolve before the bill becomes law, like how much utilities are required to invest in alternative sources of electricity.Thoms says there are protections in the bill for consumers, such as a freeze on most electric rates until 2006. Critics say most consumers will be forced to pay more for electricity in a free market system, as electric companies offer the lowest rates to their biggest customers.
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