DeCotis., Paul A. (August 2024). “The Energy Affordability Challenge.” Vol. 41 No. 1, ©2024. Wiley Periodicals, LLC. a Wiley company.
Abstract: Electricity is essential to the economic and social well-being of modern societies. And while electricity is a necessity—in other words a public good—it is largely provided by private interests. As a result, local electric distribution utility operations and power generation are regulated by state and federal regulators and in some instances local governments. Distribution utilities in all 50 U.S. states deal with local, state, and federal oversight in some form. Each state has its own regulatory framework and policy directives to be met resulting in a patch work of varying degrees and forms of regulation some more stringent than others. Addressing affordability and equity issues for large segments of the population through legal and policy remedies are a start and will assist many overburdened households. However, to address the challenge holistically and thoroughly it’s time to start thinking more creatively. Push the boundaries of current thinking and institutional legacy and take the issue head-on. The proverb “necessity is the mother of invention” readily comes to mind.