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

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  • William J. Hausman
  • John L. Neufeld

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.

Suggested Citation

  • William J. Hausman & John L. Neufeld, 2011. "How politics, economics, and institutions shaped electric utility regulation in the United States: 1879--2009," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(5), pages 723-746, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:53:y:2011:i:5:p:723-746
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2011.599589
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gilbert,Richard J. & Kahn,Edward P. (ed.), 1996. "International Comparisons of Electricity Regulation," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521495905, October.
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    3. Melville J. Ulmer, 1960. "Capital in Transportation, Communications, and Public Utilities: Its Formation and Financing," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number ulme60-1.
    4. Melville J. Ulmer, 1960. "Preface and Table of contents to "Capital in Transportation, Communications, and Public Utilities: Its Formation and Financing"," NBER Chapters, in: Capital in Transportation, Communications, and Public Utilities: Its Formation and Financing, pages -23, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    Cited by:

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    7. Hausman, William J. & Neufeld, John L. & Schreiber, Till, 2014. "Multilateral and bilateral aid policies and trends in the allocation of electrification aid, 1970–2001," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 54-62.
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