Been there, done that: Lessons learned from a report on stranded investment

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Electricity Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/1040-6190(95)90104-3· OSTI ID:456947

Matlock, R J

A new legislative mandate in Texas requires official reports from the Public Utility Commission on stranded investment and the scope of competition in electricity markets. A first effort in that direction by commission staff has yielded some surprising results, valuable lessons and interesting speculations. In August of this year, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) issued a 200-page staff report, {open_quote}An Assessment of the Potential for Stranded Investment in Texas{close_quote}. One of its primary benefits was to frame the discussion, to ensure that all stakeholder interests were represented and that all major issues were covered. If nothing else, the report served as an excellent learning experience for all parties: Utilities and intervenors had an opportunity to dissect and scrutinize the report and cheerfully point out errors, omissions and inconsistencies. And the commission staff which helped prepare it had a chance to become familiar with topics outside their normal areas of responsibility, and to broaden their understanding of emerging competitive issues. To the extent that this results in better analysis and sounder recommendations, everyone benefits.

• OSTI ID: 456947
• Journal Information: Electricity Journal, Journal Name: Electricity Journal Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 8; ISSN ELEJE4; ISSN 1040-6190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COMPETITION
COST RECOVERY
DEREGULATION
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
INVESTMENT
TEXAS