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To avoid a blackout, electricity generating companies must lower generation in line with low demand.

Reliable and competitively priced electricity is fundamental to growing our economy and creating jobs. Our customers expect nothing less.

Along with you, I have witnessed the unfortunate rise in gasoline prices that has accompanied the summer driving season and the more recent spike in prices due to Hurricane Katrina.

I expect an energy bill to increase and diversify supply and stabilize energy prices - not drive up energy costs in one part of the country to subsidize energy in another region.

Mr. Speaker, high natural gas prices and the summer spike in gasoline prices serve as a stark reminder that the path to energy independence is a long and arduous one.

The demand for electricity to have a strong, growing economy is too great to be simply offset by more conservation.

Today, we're very dependent on cheap energy. We just take it for granted - all the things you have in the house, the way industry works.

Right now, every American is affected by high energy prices. Working families, small businesses and consumers across the country are feeling the pinch with no end in sight.

Today, energy prices are at historic highs. Some analysts estimate that energy price shocks this year could cost American consumers more than $40 billion. Speaking very frankly, we cannot afford this kind of expense.