WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the order issued earlier today by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA) issued the following statement:

“This is a very welcome decision by FERC, and a big victory for the coalition that has been fighting this anti-consumer electricity rate increase. Coming just a day after most of the New England delegation signed onto my letter calling for a delay in any decision regarding LICAP and consideration of alternatives, this is a very important development.

“FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher and the other FERC Commissioners should be commended for rejecting the ISO’s request for accelerated approval of LICAP and instead scheduling this matter for oral argument so that they can hear directly from those opposed to this proposal. I believe that in the September hearing FERC will hear some compelling arguments against LICAP, and I hope they will consider the harm this proposal would inflict on the entire New England region very, very carefully before they move forward.

“I’m also very pleased to see that FERC has announced that in the event that LICAP -- or some other alternative – is adopted, that implementation will be delayed from January to October of 2006.

“These are very positive developments, and they suggest that FERC may be beginning to understand the depth and breadth of the opposition to the $13 billion rate increase that could be imposed on New England consumers over the next decade if LICAP were to be approved.”

For more on Rep. Markey’s work to increase energy savings for consumers check out http://www.house.gov/markey/