Wholesale service obligation of electric utilities

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Energy Law J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6153814

Norton, IV, F L; Spivak, M R

The basic concepts of public utility status and utility regulation intertwine the obligation to provide service to the public as reasonably demanded with rate regulation and shielding from competitive interference. While a common law service obligation was not part of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has taken the position that service, once commenced, may not be terminated without its approval. This view of Commission authority may not be supported by the legislative history of the Federal Power Act or by judicial precedent. The requirement to serve apart from recognition of a right to serve may result in increased rates in the near term and insufficient capacity, or both, in the long run. A review by the Commission and the courts is examining ways to introduce competition and shift risks from ratepayers to shareholders.

• Research Organization: Reid and Priest, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6153814
• Journal Information: Energy Law J.; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Law J.; (United States) Vol. 6:2; ISSN ELJOE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
ANTITRUST REVIEW
CAPACITY
CASE LAW
COMPETITION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELECTRIC POWER
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
LAWS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MARKETERS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER
PRICES
PRICING REGULATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
RATE STRUCTURE
REGULATIONS
REGULATORY GUIDES
RESELLERS
US DOE
US FERC
US ORGANIZATIONS