Statement on U.S. Senate Passage of Energy Bill
(H.R. 6 - Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 )

by
William R. Moroney
President & Chief Executive Officer
Utilities Telecom Council

“We applaud the U.S. Senate’s passage of an energy package that can help utilities move into the next generation of service to the Nation. While this bill includes many forward-looking measures, UTC
especially is gratified that the Senate recognizes the importance of “smarter” electric grids and the digital technologies that will be necessary to make them happen. Telecom and IT technology is essential to enable smart grid applications for next generation utility infrastructure. This bill’s smart grid provisions will advance the efficiency, reliability, safety and security of utility services. On behalf of its hundreds of utility and stakeholder members, UTC looks forward to completion of this work in Congress and to Presidential approval before the end of this year.”

About Utilities Telecom Council
The Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) is the
telecommunications and information technology trade association for electric and gas utilities, water companies, energy companies, and other critical infrastructure companies – both investor- and publicly-owned – as well as their technology partners - all united in their commitment to ensuring the best, most reliable systems and networks critical to their core businesses and the customers they serve. Founded in 1948, UTC is now an international federation of direct business members and affiliated trade associations representing over 10,000 organizations serving all corners of the world and virtually every community in the North America. Working together with its technology partners, UTC's ongoing mission is to create a favorable business, regulatory and technical environment in which its members and stakeholders will thrive. UTC does this through a variety of advocacy, regulatory, technological, information and education programs. For more information, please visit UTC’s Web site – www.utc.org [1].