Broadening the objectives of public utility regulation

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Land Econ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3146112· OSTI ID:7223384

Trebing, H M

The case is presented for increasing the effectiveness of public utility regulation by broadening regulatory objectives while maintaining the industry's flexible and pluralistic structure. Historically, regulation has been perceived as a way to achieve efficiency without competition. Pressures for broadening objectives have come from militant consumers and national concerns over high prices, fuel shortages, environmental damage, and technological change. Responses from the utilities have indicated a need to focus on industry performance and incentives for efficiency, a need for rate structure reform, a choice between administered rationing and an auctioning market, a trend toward internalizing social costs in the rate base, and disagreement between the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Power Commission. A proposal is made to reform the regulatory objectives so that they include public interest standards. Four specific objectives are suggested: (1) industry structure should be conducive to superior performance; (2) equity and income distribution should be recognized; (3) national and regional priorities should be set for allocation of energy and communications when necessary; and (4) social costs should be recognized, identified, and treated. 18 references. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
• OSTI ID: 7223384
• Journal Information: Land Econ.; (United States), Journal Name: Land Econ.; (United States) Vol. 53:1; ISSN LAECA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
200106 -- Fossil-Fueled Power Plants-- Economics
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ALLOCATIONS
BEHAVIOR
CHARGES
COST
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION
INCOME
MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PERFORMANCE
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REGULATIONS
SOCIAL IMPACT
US ORGANIZATIONS