Publisher's Note - January, 2007

Publisher's Note - January, 2007

By John Garrett Sunday, 07 January 2007

Insights into energy deregulation and new Impact features

When we began researching for our energy story, we were just going to report on how people receive electricity and show readers the choices they have available. We realized citizens must keep a close eye on how electricity is produced and how it is distributed.

Since the deregulation of energy rates in 2002, the gap between our deregulated markets and the municipally-run Austin market has widened at an alarming rate. On Jan. 1, the gap may increase since electric companies will no longer be required to have rates approved through the Public Utility Commission.

We report on some of the reasons for this and include energy-saving tips and how to shop for an electric provider.

As the new year begins, we continue to offer local, useful information in an easy-to-read format.

Community Corridors takes a look from above at one of the most highly sought-after intersections in the country – University Boulevard and IH 35. We explain some of the new activity developing around those roads. Next month we will look at a booming area in Pflugerville.

Another new feature is Inside Information. In the coming months, we plan to offer information helpful to both new and old residents in the community.

We also hope our redesigned pages make the newspaper easier to read. It is our New Year’s resolution to continue to put out a better publication each month. Let us know how we are doing.

John P. Garrett, Publisher