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    of PIRGs, National Association State. “Toward a Consumer-Oriented Electric System: Assuring Affordability, Reliability, Accountability and Balance After a Decade of Restructuring.” In, 2004. Publisher's VersionAbstract

    Excerpt from the Executive Summary:

    In this paper, we present a consumers-eye view of the current regulatory structure of the electric in- dustry, the experience of the past decade of restructuring, and the critical prob- lems facing the industry today. We also propose a series of guiding principles and policy options for protecting the in- terests of electricity consumers, and map out a long-term vision in which a shift to a more balanced mix of cleaner en- ergy options leads to long-term cost sav- ings for consumers.

    Casazza, Jack, and Frank Delea. “Understanding Electric Power Systems.” In, 2003. Publisher's VersionAbstract

    DESCRIPTION (from Wiley.com)

    The Enron scandal notwithstanding, it is important for professionals in the electric power industry and related positions gain a solid understanding of electric power systems and how they work. Written by two veteran power company managers and respected experts, this is a real-world view of electric power systems, how they operate, how the organizations are structured, and how electricity is regulated and priced. 

    A comprehensive overview of the electric power industry from the inside
    Covers electric power system components, electricity consumption, generation, transmission, distribution, electric utility operation, electric system control, power system reliability, government regulation, utility rate making, and financial considerations.

    Includes an extensive glossary of key terms used in the U.S. and also definitions for terms used worldwide.

    Brown, Ashley. “Sunshine May Cloud Good Decision Making.""” In, 1992.Abstract
    abrown_sunshine_92.pdf
    Foremost among a number of legislative reforms imposed upon state utility and regulatory commissions in recent years have been sunshine laws. The intent of sunshine laws is laudable and the idea simple: the public's business ought to be conducted in the open for the public to observe. Decision making should be transparent, with a clearly articulated rationale available for all who seek it. Not only the decision, but its evolution and the decision makers' thought processes, should be fully revealed. Few backroom deals can withstand such scrutiny. Should the level of accountability vary for an appointed or elected public official? In theory, no, but that only addresses questions about the appearance of accountability and openness. Does such a requirement improve the quality of decision
    making; or, more importantly, does it improve the quality of decision? There is a strong case that it does not?