Utility regulation in the future: a focus on price

The author examines certain trends and makes some predictions about steps utilities can take so that they are not at the mercy of regulators-steps that will promote financial well-being regardless of regulatory policy changes. It is further concluded that it is impossible to predict the future regulatory environment, but assuming certain trends will continue, electric utilities can position themselves to be effective competitors and low-cost providers, and thus less vulnerable to uncontrollable regulatory forces. It is further concluded that in addition to being customer-oriented, utilities will be able to restore public trust in the electric utility.<>