Title: Policy and economic issues of electrical power and energy systems

Authors: Walmir Freitas, Eduardo N. Asada, Ahmed F. Zobaa, James S. McConnach

Addresses: Department of Electrical Energy Systems, State University of Campinas, 13083-852, Campinas, Brazil. ' Department of Electrical Energy Systems, State University of Campinas, 13083-852, Campinas, Brazil. ' Electrical Power and Machines Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt. ' Castle Hill Engineering Services, 25 Catharine Crescent, Bracebridge, Ontario, P1L 1B2, Canada

Abstract: During the last quarter of the 20th century, many developments have served as catalysts for changes in the national energy policies of countries throughout the globe. These catalysts have affected the institutions and energy framework of virtually every country. In the majority of countries, the predominant electricity supply institution is the electric utility monopoly – characterised by some degree of government ownership and control. In many of these countries, self-generation supplements the electricity supply. To the extent that existing institutions have been unable to create new sources of funding for new electricity sector capacity and cope with environmental imperatives, governments are turning to the private sector. This paper presents a brief overview on the recent policy, technology, structure and market changes that have occurred in the electric power industry.

Keywords: electrical power systems; electrical energy systems; deregulation; technological advances; power systems restructuring; energy policies; economics; industry structure; market changes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2007.014347

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2007 Vol.27 No.3, pp.253 - 261

Published online: 03 Jul 2007 *

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