Utilities look skeptically at rail derequlation

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Electr. World; (United States)

OSTI ID:6700213

Concern about the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, which deregulates rates, prompted the Tennessee Valley Authority to insert a protective clause allowing it to cancel coal contracts if rail rates go too high. Railroads will be allowed to charge an increasing amount, up to 175% of variable costs by 1984. Legislators were hoping to pass a slurry-pipeline bill to provide the competition that will protect consumers. Pipelines would carry less tha 20% of the freight, but they would provide an efficiency and cost comparison. The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) has not been able to protect utilities, especially those relying on coal from the Powder River Basin. The new law could relieve railroads of enough regulatory cost burdens and promote competitive lines to hold down rates. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6700213
• Journal Information: Electr. World; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. World; (United States) Vol. 195:1; ISSN ELWOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
013000 -- Coal
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& Peat-- Transport
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COMPETITION
DEREGULATION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
MATERIALS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
RAIL TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT