Electric power deregulation-end of monopoly

Abstract

This paper traces the history of the emergence of electric industry restructuring and the deregulation of the power generation sector in California, USA, the first state to adopt a comprehensive retail competition policy for major investor-owned utilities. Since these issues are being hotly debated in many other states, it is useful to understand what has happened in California. While the paper begins by addressing the underlying policy issues, it goes on to discuss the form the new power market is expected to take in California and the objectives that must be met in implementing a new power market that includes competitive generation options for end-use customers and a system of fair, open access to the use of the transmission and distribution systems to bring the power to those customers. Large power customers, such as manufacturers, will be actively involved in this implementation activity. The author has been representing such large customers in this California process.