A number of states have recently sought to increase competition in the electricity industry to drive down prices, increase supply, and improve service quality. Yet in the aftermath of the rolling blackouts and power shortages that afflicted California in 2000 and 2001, many jurisdictions have been reluctant to break with the status quo. Electricity deregulation is strewn with pitfalls, and the events in California demonstrate that chaos from poorly-designed regulatory schemes can easily result.

Unlike several other states, Texas has pressed ahead with its program of deregulation. It has unbundled the production of electricity from the distribution infrastructure and from retail sales, removed controls on electricity rates, and allowed customers to switch between competitive retail electric providers. Using an innovative basket of regulatory instruments, Texas offers a distinct track record that produces important lessons for policymakers, regulators, and researchers who seek to evaluate the merits of a more competitive approach to energy policy.

Please join us on January 25 for a conference at which nine research papers investigating the impact of Texas electricity deregulation will be presented and discussed.