The electricity systems of many countries are currently undergoing a process of transformation. Market liberalization has induced major mergers and acquisitions in the electricity sector, but has also forced companies to seek out new business areas. Environmental regulations, like the Kyoto process and the European Emissions Trading Scheme, are exposing the sector to external pressure. New technologies - such as renewable energy, combined heat and power (CHP), or "clean coal" technologies - are emerging. Recent worldwide experiences with blackouts have once more put security of supply on the...