Abstract:
This is one of three business-government cases, developed in conjunction with the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, which explore the complications arising as the US moves toward a less regulated market in the "wheeling" (transmission and sale) of electricity-a development widely regarded as being no less revolutionary than the break-up of AT&T and the advent of competitive long-distance telephone service. Among the questions which arise: Should large utilities, which had historically been highly regulated, suddenly be forced to compete with low-cost power wholesalers? Who would benefit, who would lose, as a result? Should power transmission lines, paid for historically through the bills levied on ratepayers, be available to anyone who wants to transmit power? These cases are provocative both for students of current utility policy and students of general regulatory issues. See also Fighting for Customers: Atlantic Bluffs Confronts a Competitive Challenge (C16-93-1225.0) and Competing for Electrons: The Public Service Company of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque (C16-93-1226.0).
