rate regulation – Knowledge Problem

The Weak Case for Continued Regulation of the Electric Power Industry

1 Comment / Electricity, Energy markets, Regulation / By Michael Giberson

In today’s Wall Street Journal special section on energy issues, a pair of articles presents the case for and against restructuring the electric power industry to introduce more competition. In favor of reform is Andrew Kleit: “YES: It Is the Best Way to Lower Costs and Increase Innovation.” In favor of the traditional regulated electric utility …

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Can Regulated Rates Be Designed to Mimic Competition?

Electricity, Regulation / By Michael Giberson

Rather than attempting to “mimic competition,” Giberson suggested simply “to allow competition.” Cost-of-service rate regulation cannot be designed to mimic competition. If you want competitive results, then allow competition. At least that was my claim reported in a Megawatt Daily story, “Texas wires rate study draws mixed reactions.” (From Monday, June 27, 2106; articles are not …

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No Net Metering Without Grid Connection, No Net Metering Controversy Where Wires and Energy Products Are Unbundled

3 Comments / Electricity, Regulation / By Michael Giberson

Around the country lobbyists for utilities and solar power companies are fighting over public policy, mostly for and against reform of net metering policies.* Today, The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC) trumpeted in a press release recent victories in the states of Utah and Washington over net metering reforms urged by utilities. TASC highlighted the …

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Massachusetts Observes That Green Power Mandates May Be Raising Consumer Costs

1 Comment / Electricity, Environmental policy, Regulation / By Michael Giberson

Michael Giberson Let’s just say when the best example of a success story is a long-term contract signed by a utility and the Cape Wind project, you haven’t exactly resolved concerns about the practicality or cost-effectiveness of the law. From the Boston Herald, “AG: Energy costs rising under Mass. renewables law“: The Green Communities Act, …

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Mcardle on the Search for Financial Villians; Indiviglio on Electric Cars and Power Costs

Electricity, Environmental policy / By Michael Giberson

Michael Giberson Worth reading: Megan McArdle, “The Search for Financial Villains Founders,” at The Atlantic: Business Channel. Apparently, damning remarks taken out of context from emails are not so damning when considered within the original context. On the other hand, I’m not so convinced by the earlier post at The Atlantic Business Channel by Daniel …

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