Thursday, Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley announced the first round of filings in response to the Commission’s groundbreaking rules aimed at slashing monthly utility bills through reduced waste. The plans filed this week, called "Quick Start" plans, were required of each electric and natural gas utility serving more than 25,000 customers. As the name indicates, "Quick Start" plans were designed to be quickly implemented in order to help develop utility processes, infrastructure, contractor networks and training prior to the full roll out of waste reduction programs across the state.

Examples of Quick Start programs being proposed include home and business energy audits, A/C tune-ups, rebates for energy efficient lighting and appliances, demand response measures, the weatherizing of homes and businesses, along with new home initiatives. If approved by the Commission, utilities must implement these programs within four months. Customer participation in these programs is optional.

Today is the 24^th observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King day in Winona. In observance, the Citizens in Alliance will sponsor a march beginning at 3:30, beginning at J.J. Knox Gym, followed by a program at the Montgomery County Courthouse at 4pm. At the conclusion of the program, marchers will head back to the Winona Community Center on Powell Street for food and fellowship and the public is invited to attend.