Regulations impact on restructuring [of electricity supply industry]

From the beginning of the electric utility industry, regulators have played a key role in shaping its structure and how consumers buy and use electricity. As competition enters the picture, regulators play another key role. Many say that the industry in the United States is not being deregulated, but re-regulated. In some cases this is true, but the new form of regulation allows for customer choice. Even though the rules are not all in place at present, the US electricity supply industry has been flooded by experts worldwide predicting the future industry structure. The model presented here represents one view. Whatever the view, new technologies and services will proliferate because of the competition in the electric market. These technologies will continue to enhance life styles and create new jobs in the power industry.