Don't Be Shocked! Electric Utility Deregulation CAN Benefit Low-Cost States

Comment by Laura R. Starling

This Comment challenges the notion that the deregulation of the electric utility industry would be harmful to low-cost states. After describing various statutory, technological, and ideological forces underlying the push toward deregulation, the Comment discusses deregulatory issues that present special concerns for low-cost states, such as stranded costs, universal service, discriminatory access, and predatory cross-subsidization. The Comment suggests how the economic forces behind interstate trading could yield more benefits than expected from deregulating the low-cost states.


About the Author

Laura R. Starling. J.D. candidate 2000, Tulane University School of Law; M.S. 1993, Auburn University; B.A. 1991, Washington & Jefferson College.

Citation

74 Tul. L. Rev. 1519 (2000)