Electricity Deregulation
Articles
"The Big Switch" by James Worsham. Nation’s Business, September 1997, p. 18.
—Discusses plans for electricity deregulation and how a small business will be affected depending on its location.
"Electricity Deregulation: Assessing Impacts on Small Business, Residential and Low-Income Customers." Spectrum: The Journal of State Government, Spring 1997, p. 13.
—Studies show that small businesses, residents and low-income customers will have the most difficult time taking advantage of the new competitive market.
"Energy-Accounting Software Unlocks Savings Potential of Deregulation" by Steven D. Heinz. Chain Store Age Executive with Shopping Center Age, September 1997, p. 182.
—Energy-accounting software will record, track and analyze utility-bill information and help a company make informed decisions in the changing market.
"Forecasting the Effects of Electric Utility Deregulation: A Hypothetical Scenario for New Jersey" by Frederick Treyz and Lisa Petraglia. Journal of Business Forecasting, Summer 1997, p. 5.
—Shows the advantages that electric utility deregulation might have in New Jersey. These include a 4.6 percent decrease in total fuel costs as well as increases in gross regional product and goods and services demand.
"Positive Energy: Deregulation in the Utility Industry Could Spell Opportunity for Entrepreneurs" by Joyce Jones. Black Enterprise, June 1997, p. 36.
—Competition in the electricity industry means small companies can make money in consulting, working with small business clusters and by purchasing power plants.
"’Retail Wheeling’ Pilots Explore Benefits of Electricity Deregulation" by Susan Reda. Stores, March 1997, p. 64.
—Businesses that want to take advantage of energy deregulation, or "retail wheeling," need to know how it works. Several states have conducted pilot programs that show the pros and cons electric deregulation might have.
Internet
Department of Energy. http://www.doe.gov/.
—Discusses where the government is headed in legislating electricity deregulation in all 50 states.
Energy Information Administration. http://www.eia.doe.gov/index.html.
—Contains numerous publications regarding energy deregulation including annual reports on the electricity industry and public utility data.
National Regulatory Research Institute.
http://www.nrri.ohio-state.edu/.
—Shows the status of electricity deregulation across the U. S. by detailing individual legislation and where each state is in the process.
Magazines
Straight Talk Energy. Flintridge Consulting, 1997. (626) 795-4252.
—Provides a brief overview of electricity deregulation issues as they apply to small businesses and lists a number of resources for companies interested in energy efficiency.
Organizations
California Public Utilities Commission. 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. (415) 703-2782. Energy Deregulation Hotline: (800) 789-0550. http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/index.html.
—A central source for information regarding deregulation in California, some of which is faxable. Hotline contains recorded information regarding rates, stranded costs and service. Check your local utility commission for similar information.
Southern California Edison. 2244 Walnut Grove Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770. (800) 684-8123.
—Has produced several pamphlets detailing the changes that will occur during deregulation including "The Rate Line"-a publication dealing specifically with how rates and bills will be affected.