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b'Mayor Bob Tarleck will help you learn about the Alberta experiment in \\nelectrical energy deregulation and how it\\u2019s impacting your monthly bill.\\n\\nLethbridge residents struggling to make sense out of the confusing \\nelectrical energy options they face might wish to look back at the \\nevents of January 1, 2001. That date marks the first step in the \\nderegulation of Alberta\\u2019s electrical energy sector, the first such \\nprogram in Canada.\\n\\nWhile not backing away from its commitment to the goal of electrical \\nderegulation, the government soon realized people needed time to make \\nthe transition.\\n\\nWire service providers such as the City of Lethbridge were therefore \\nrequired to provide a backup energy supply during the transition to an \\nunregulated market. The initial plan called for the Regulated Rate \\nOption to be available to residential customers for five years until \\nJanuary 1, 2006.\\n\\nHowever, this was extended by six months to June 30, 2006 when the \\ngovernment realized that competition for the electrical service for \\nsmall businesses and residential consumers was not emerging as quickly \\nas anticipated.\\n\\nWith the pace of energy deregulation picking up speed over the last few \\nmonths, consumers are beginning to ask important questions about how \\nthis will affect their pocket book.\\n\\n- What are the regulations under which electrical energy is purchased?\\n\\n- Why didn\\u2019t the City give consumers more advance notice of the changes \\ntaking effect January\\n1, 2006?\\n\\n- How does a resident make an informed decision about selecting an \\nelectrical energy provider?'