ERIC Number: ED426484
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1997-Jul
Pages: 7
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Deregulation of the Electric Industry and Its Potential Benefits for School Districts.
Watkiss, Jeffrey D.
Inquiry & Analysis, p1-5 Jul 1997
The electric utility industry is the last bastion of regulated monopolies in the United States. An overview of recent competition in the electric-power industry at both the federal and state levels and how this may affect school districts is offered in this article. The text identifies and evaluates how school districts can obtain cheaper power contracts by taking advantage of competition in the electric industry. School districts in New York and California are already pooling together and positioning themselves to benefit from lower electric rates. Some of the concerns that school districts may have about competition, which differ from the needs of large industrial users of electricity, are examined. The progress of deregulation in the states, the likelihood of federal legislation requiring states to open their electric markets, what competition means for schools, and concerns when entering into a management agreement with a power marketer are all discussed. Updates on state electric deregulation legislation in California, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Montana, Oklahoma, and Maine are presented. Within the next 5 to 7 years, customer choice should be available in almost every state. School districts will need to forge alliances with other districts, prepare RFPs, and look into making arrangements with power marketing companies. (RJM)
Descriptors: Consortia, Cooperative Planning, Cooperative Programs, Electricity, Elementary Secondary Education, Energy, Shared Resources and Services, Utilities
NSBA Council of School Attorneys, 1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (by subscription: $75 for 6 bimonthly issues).
Publication Type: Journal Articles
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: National School Boards Association, Alexandria, VA. Council of School Attorneys.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A