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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Advocacy current topics: utility competition with small businesses

Book ·
OSTI ID:6071464
Small businesses find it difficult to compete with utilities which enter unregulated markets, such as the sale of appliances, energy conservation, and renewable energy services. The competition raises both economic and legal questions which state and federal regulators need to address. One issue is the subsidization by ratepayers that allows utilities to undercut the prices of private businesses. Since Congress has mandated a role for utilities in conservation and the development of alternative energy sources, studies now suggest that the benefits have been minimal in comparison with the economic damage done to small businesses. Some states are now developing energy programs that eliminate or limit the level of utility involvement.
OSTI ID:
6071464
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English