Local government: The sleeping giant in electric industry restructuring
- Ridley & Associates, East Harwich, MA (United States)
Public power has long been a cornerstone of consumer leverage in the electric industry. But its foundation consists of a much broader and deeper consumer authority. Understanding that authority - and present threats to it - is critical to restructuring of the electric industry as well as to the future of public power. The country has largely forgotten the role that local governments have played and continue to play in the development of the electric industry. Moreover, we risk losing sight of the options local governments may offer to protect consumers, to advance competition in the marketplace, and to enhance opportunities for technology and economic development. The future role of local government is one of the most important issues in the restructuring discussion. The basic authority of consumers rests at the local level. The resulting options consumers have to act as more than just respondents to private brokers and telemarketing calls are at the local level. And the ability for consumers to shape the marketplace and standards for what it will offer exists at the local level as well.
- OSTI ID:
- 569400
- Journal Information:
- Electricity Journal, Vol. 10, Issue 9; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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