The Economic and Social Regulation of Public Utilities

Utilities have long been essential for societies, supplying basic services for nations, organizations and households alike. The proper functioning and regulation of utilities is therefore critical for the economy, society and security. History provides an invaluable insight into important issues of the economic and social regulation of utilities and offers guidance for future debates. However, the history of utility regulation – which speaks of changing, diverse and complex experiences around the world – was sidelined or marginalised when economists and policy-makers enthusiastically embraced the question of how to reform the utilities from the 1970s. This book examines in depth the complex regulation and deregulation of energy, communications, transportation and water utilities across Western Europe, the United States, Australia, Brazil, China and India. In each case, attention is drawn to the changing roles of the state, the market and firms in the regulation, organization and delivery of utility services.

This book was originally published as a special issue of Business History.

Judith Clifton is Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Cantabria, Spain.

Pierre Lanthier is Professor of Economic History at the University of Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada.

Harm Schröter is Professor of Economic History at the University of Bergen, Norway.