Regulating Utilities and Promoting Competition: Lessons for the Future

Regulating Utilities and Promoting Competition continues the series of annual books, published in association with the Institute of Economic Affairs and the London Business School, which critically review the state of utility regulation and competition policy.With contributions by some of the leading figures in the field, this important new book presents incisive chapters on a number of prominent topics. These include, amongst others, the future of the railways, the international trade in gas, the economics and politics of wind power and the role of economics in merger reviews. A key feature of the book is the careful examination of fundamental issues, not only from the viewpoint of academic and other independent commentators, but also by the regulators and heads of competition authorities themselves. By addressing significant developments both in Britain and abroad, the authors draw important lessons about the policy changes needed as well as their subsequent implementation. This book will be of great value to practitioners, policymakers and academics alike who are concerned with regulation, deregulation and policies to promote competition.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Introduction 1. The Future of the Railways in the Light of the Government’s Rail Review 2004 – Tom Winsor, Comment – Stephen Glaister 2. International Trade in Gas and Prospects for UK Gas Supplies – Nigel Cornwall, Comment – John Michell 3. The Economics and Politics of Wind Power – David Simpson, Comment – Alistair Buchanan 4. The Competition Appeal Tribunal: Five Years On – Christopher Bellamy, Comment – George Yarrow 5. A Year Under Ofcom – Robin Mason 6. Trying to Make Sense of Abuse of a Dominant Position – Thomas Sharpe, Comment – John Vickers 7. The Role of Economics in Merger Review – John Fingleton, Comment – Leonard Waverman, Comment on Mergers and Comparative Competition in the Water Industry – Philip Fletcher 8. Privatisation and Regulation in Developing Countries – David Parker and Colin Kirkpatrick, Comment – Colin Robinson Index

About the Author :
Edited by Colin Robinson, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Surrey, UK

Review :
'The reader is aided by an introduction summarising arguments made in the lectures and a useful index. That the speaker or commentator is a senior official from a regulatory or enforcement authority makes the volume of considerable value to practitioners, policymakers, and academics involved in regulatory reform as it provides an up-to-date review of the major issues, not only indicating current regulatory practice but also its future trajectory.' '. . . a treasure trove of valuable insight and commentary into the utility markets and how they are, and should be, regulated.'