Experiences of electricity-sector restructuring in Asia
- International Energy Agency, Paris (France)
Changes in regulation, structure, and ownership of the electricity sector of Asian countries are commensurate with the growth of electricity demand in these countries. Satisfying the rapidly growing demand has been one of the driving forces of these changes; consequently, all the changes were designed to accommodate the expansion of the electricity supply industry with better efficiency. An appropriate framework for the participation of private and foreign actors in the power development projects has been created, and public utilities are being restructured and privatized to achieve the necessary economic efficiency. A privatized, competitive marketplace needs a stable regulatory framework including well-functioning institutions. The design of a future framework that can efficiently govern the electricity sector into the new century is perhaps the key challenge to countries in the region. However, developing and implementing a new regulatory framework will take time. As with all change, there is a necessary learning and transition period, and efforts are under way to ensure that this period is a steady and orderly one. Countries are learning by doing on a trial-and-error basis. They are also learning from the experience of other countries. The impact of Asian electricity restructuring will go beyond that region. The restructuring has opened up the traditionally closed sector to the international energy community and provided it with important business opportunities; second, it established more efficient channels for the transfer of more environmentally sound power-generating technologies, which will assist in reducing the amount of harmful emissions; and third, it will have significant implications on regional and global energy security - the Asia-Pacific region is likely to become the world`s largest net energy importer and the fuel choice for new power projects will influence the future trend of the region`s energy dependency. 2 figs., 4 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 577106
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Energy and Development, Vol. 22, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Aut 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
World refinery industry: need for restructuring. World Bank technical paper
The past, present, and future of U.S. utility demand-side management programs