Electric utilities in a state of transition

More than thirty years of electric utility industry history is discussed. The trauma of events visited upon the economy of the nation during that time and upon electric utilities in particular is described, and some solid analysis of how major economic changes in American society have permanently affected the costs of electric power generation and distribution, the charges that must be paid by electricity users, and the financial status of electric companies are presented. The article is the result of a joint undertaking - over an extended period - of four officers and managers of a large electric utility in the south.