A Shock to the System is a guide to the decisions that will be faced by electricity providers, customers, and policymakers. Produced by a team of analysts at Resources for the Future, this concise and balanced work provides background necessary to understand the increasing role of competition in electricity markets. The authors introduce important concepts and terminology, and offer the history of public policy regarding electricity. They identify the significant proposals for implementing competition, and examine the potential consequences for regulation, industry structure, cost recovery,...

Many US states, as well as many countries, are opening their electric power markets to competition. Others, in response to the crisis in California, have ruled out competition. This book provides an overview of the major issues facing industry regulators, legislators and others as they consider whether, when, and how to open electricity markets.

Using case studies, the authors evaluate the potential attractiveness of incentive-based policies for the regulation of four specific toxic substances: chlorinated solvents, formaldehyde, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. Originally published in 1992, the authors provide a compelling demonstration of the role of case studies in determining the appropriate regulatory approach for the specific toxic substances. This is a valuable title for students concerned with environmental issues and policy making.