Publications

    Brown, Ashley, and Terrence Barnich. “Transmission and Ratebase: A Match Not Made in Heaven.” Public Utilities Fortnightly 127, no. June (1991): 12-16.Abstract
    This article examines how the cost of transmission of power is to be incorporated in the utilities ratebase in a competitive bulk power market. The topics include a call for public discussion and debate, who should bear the risk of residual revenue responsibility for transmission assets, are actual costs and uses reflected in the allocation of responsibility for transmission revenues, and how can transmission pricing be used to reduce the likelihood of anti-competitive behavior by those entities owning both generation and transmission facilities.
    Brown, Ashley. “Title Conference Paper.” In, 1991.Abstract

    For years, utilities, regulators, and economists have discussed the possibility of opening access to the electric transmission grid. It is now well past the time to cut the Gordian knot in impasse over the debate, and to raise the key strategic question of whether utility owned transmission facilities belong in the ratebase paid for by native-load ratepayers. The question is complex, but requires public discussion and debate as we move inexorably to more competitive bulk power markets. The issue is best approached from three different perspectives: 

    • Who should bear the risk of residual revenue respon-
    sibility for transmission assets?

    • Are actual costs and uses reflected in the allocation of responsibilities for transmission revenues?

    • How can transmission pricing be used to reduce the likelihood of anti-competitive behavior by those entities owning both generation and trasmission.
    Brown, Ashley. “The Overjudicialization of Regulatory Decision Making.” In, 1990.Abstract
    There is a fundamental contradiction between the substantive task regulatory bodies, such as public utility commissions, are charged with performing and the process imposed upon them for doing it. This contradiction, often reinforced by the nature of judicial review, constitutes a severe hindrance to the effectiveness of regulation
    Brown, Ashley. “State Power Over Transmission Access and Pricing: The Giant Will Not Sleep Forever."” In, 1989.Abstract
    This article examines the nature and extent of authority which state utility commissions have to regulate access
    to electric power transmission lines and pricing for such access. Somewhat surprisingly, since there has
    been a common assumption that this is the domain of federal regulators, the author is able to point out
    numerous bases for the exercise of jurisdiction by state regulators, by direct grants of authority, or indirectly
    in the discharge of other responsibilities and duties.