This article addresses the difficulties faced by states when they uncouple electric generation from distribution to foster industry competition. The complexities of restructuring became evident when California implemented its restructuring approach under Assembly Bill 1890. Prior to California’s difficulties, industry leaders dominated the energy agenda by promising additional power, competition, andlower prices. Using publications from the Department of Energy in tandem with state utility commission reports andmedia cover age, a pattern of implementation concerns, unique to electricity, becomes apparent. Whereas deregulation may provide all that has been promised, getting to deregulation may still be a process inadequately addressed.
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