Offering customers direct access: Using choice to stimulate competition

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Electricity Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1040-6190(94)90043-4· OSTI ID:41687

Glynn, Jr, R D

The essential elements for a system of customer direct access to electricity supplies are already in place, with protocols for existing pool operation and inter-system coordination, as well as the Western System Power Pool market. Extending past experience with gas and electricity wholesale markets to direct access for large retail electricity customers, then to small customers, is achievable now. The April 20, 1994, release of the California Public Utilities Commission proposal to restructure the electric utility industry set off a flurry of activity and proposals around the state, and indeed, the rest of the country. The CPUC proposal seeks to offer California`s electric customers direct access to generation in order to stimulate competition and lower prices without compromising the financial integrity of the utilities or reliability of service, while protecting social and environmental programs. The CPUC proposal is, in fact, only the latest step in a longer process that started in 1978 with the passage by Congress of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.

• OSTI ID: 41687
• Journal Information: Electricity Journal, Journal Name: Electricity Journal Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 7; ISSN ELEJE4; ISSN 1040-6190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
CALIFORNIA
COMPETITION
DEREGULATION
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
POWER GENERATION
POWER TRANSMISSION