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The Rationale for Reforming Utility Business Models

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  • Daniel J. Kopin
  • Richard G. Vanden Bergh

Abstract

Economic models assume public utility commissions reform utility business models with revenue decoupling mechanisms primarily to remove the disincentive for demand-side management investment, which is expected to enhance social welfare. This paper tests that widespread assumption. We find some but limited support for commission responsiveness to avoided environmental costs. Instead, we find commission responsiveness to avoided political costs resulting from high prices of residential electricity compared to the regional average and high levels of partisan competition in the state legislature. Beyond questioning the primacy of the public interest rationale for regulation, our results give reason to reevaluate economic models of utility business model reform that do not explicitly consider commission interests in minimizing political risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel J. Kopin & Richard G. Vanden Bergh, 2023. "The Rationale for Reforming Utility Business Models," The Energy Journal, , vol. 44(3), pages 65-88, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:44:y:2023:i:3:p:65-88
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.44.2.dkop
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    References listed on IDEAS

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