Brasília, March 2, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Senator Rodolpho Tourinho (PFL/BA), rapporteur for one of the provisional measures (MP's) that alter the regulation of the electric energy sector, believes that the MP's should be voted on Wednesday (3) rather than today.

According to the rapporteur of MP 145, which creates the Energy Research Company (EPE), which will be responsible for studies of planning in the area, another day is needed to complete the report and negotiations over the most controversial points.

Tourinho also said that the issues of "old (existing) energy vs. new (future) energy" and the pass-through of energy costs to customers' rates continue to be the most critical items. The provisional measures have paralyzed the Senate's agenda since before Carnaval. (DAS)