Deregulation backtrack

Montana's new Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole has long been against the deregulation of electricity markets and is now pushing for re-regulation in the state. He talks with David Watkins

Efforts to nurture competitive electricity markets in the US continue to be overshadowed by the controversy over deregulation. The removal of consumer rates freezes imposed a decade ago is exposing many customers to higher prices and igniting the debate.

While the picture differs from state-to-state due to an uneven patchwork of regulatory regimes, calls for re-regulation are increasing as more customers experience price increases – some as high as 70%. Market advocates claim these increases