And he would like to see the rate reductions fully effective before 2007, as the bill provides.

The average rate reduction has been more like 5 or 6 six percent.

The rate reductions would not be fully effective until 2007.

But such rate reductions had more impact when rates were higher.

It will also guarantee small customers a rate reduction of 10 percent.

"My goal is to have rate reductions for everybody," he said.

One official said today that four of the members were prepared to vote for a further rate reduction.

It was the first time in a year that none of the committee's members had called for a rate reduction.

In 2006 there would be a rate reduction of about 15 percent.

That would open the way to the larger rate reductions in their proposal.