How politics, economics, and institutions shaped electric utility regulation in the United States: 1879--2009

William Hausman () and John L. Neufeld

Business History, 2011, vol. 53, issue 5, 723-746

Abstract: The history of electric utility regulation at both the state and national level from the beginning of the industry through the aftermath of the California energy crisis of 2000--01 is presented. That history was partly determined by the economics of the industry -- on the supply side by its cost structure, network characteristics, and lack of storability -- on the demand side by its price inelasticity for all but the largest consumers, and partly by politics. These factors influenced the institutions that were created to regulate the industry, a process also complicated greatly by US federalism. The intensity of regulation waxed and waned in response to real or perceived problems in the industry.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2011.599589

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