So it's the time of year to hope. Hope for change, hope for better eating habits, hope for a briefcase full of cash and so on. With the holiday spirit in tow, I've decided to embark on a brief hiatus into the world of 2008, but with a special twist.

So here are my three Texas electricity wishes for 2008 (or at least what I hope can happen) :

• More savings for Texas electricity customers. Energy companies are doing a fine job of offering special incentives and really competitive rates, so I expect that to continue and hopefully improve in 2008.


• More renewable energy produced from Texas' large supply of wind power, as well as additional biomass fuel technology from Texas agriculture.


• Take advantage of deregulation in Texas and find affordable electricity ... especially next time I move and need to hook up my utilities.

Though it may seem like common sense to take advantage of lower prices, there is still some misinformation about what deregulation means for electricity service, and why competition is a good thing. So here's to the new year, and to finding the electricity service that we all deserve. Finding reliable and affordable electricity in Texas is easier than you probably imagined.

Happy time needs to be a safe time as well, so ElectricityTexas wants to help parents and children enjoy a spooktacular Halloween celebration minus any mishaps or nasty surprises.

Before Halloween

• Plan a trick-or-treating route ahead of time with a plan B in case you need to alter routes last minute.


• Keep up to date with the weather forecast.


• Incorporate reflective colors or material in your child's costume. Avoid masks or makeup that obscure or block clear eyesight.


• Purchase LED flashlights to conserve energy while providing a safe experience for your child.


• Clear all pathways leading to your home of possible hazards. Keep an eye out for obstructions such as bulky or flammable decorations as your child approaches a home.

• Keep your children and their friends in a group. Ask other parents to accompany so that you aren't stretched thin keeping track of a large number of kids.


• Keep away from dark side streets and alleys, and stay on sidewalks if at all possible.


• Always face traffic when forced to walk on the street.


• Do not allow your children to eat candy before going to home to check the bounty thoroughly. Be wary of any items that aren't properly wrapped.

The key to any safe Halloween experience is planning ahead. Give you and your family ample time to work out any kinks in the process, and ensure that your group arrives home safe and sound. You may not be able to control all the variables on such an exciting and often crazy event, but you can prevent many common Halloween mistakes by sitting down with your children and laying out guidelines in advance.