Controversial question of commissioner selection

Journal Article · Thu Mar 17 00:00:00 EST 1983 · Public Util. Fortn.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6310550

Mann, P C; Primeaux, Jr, W J

The question of whether popular election or executive appointment of the members of the state regulatory agency makes for more-effective utility regulation in the public interest has heated up again in recent years, following some precipitous rises in utility service costs and attendant customer dissatisfaction. This article considers the merits of each mode of selection, as well as the supposed and demonstrable drawbacks of each. The authors make the point that there appears to be a correlation between direct election and lower utility rates, but also conclude that it is not possible to make the choice between election and appointment on this basis alone since there are additional criteria of regulatory effectiveness to be considered. 6 references.

• OSTI ID: 6310550
• Journal Information: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States), Vol. 111:6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REGULATIONS
STATE GOVERNMENT
EVALUATION
MANAGEMENT
PERSONNEL
293000* - Energy Planning & Policy- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
320603 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Public Utilities- (1980-)