From Monopoly to Market via Regulation: Comparative Perspective on Public Service Utilities

Abstract

In the not so distant past the provision of public utility services in Europe was a governmental responsibility. Service provision was entrusted public enterprises that enjoyed monopoly power. The regulatory regime was weak as public ownership was thought to provide effective protection against monopoly power. This has changed dramatically since the 1980s. Privatisations have taken place, markets been opened to competition, and entirely new regulatory regimes and administrations been created. During the same period the EU has engaged itself in regulating the markets for e.g. telecom, energy, and public transportation. However, the way in which the European countries have implemented this reform agenda varies. This raises intriguing and comparative questions as to the political basis for regulatory reform, the interaction between the international diffusion, supranational regulation and national politics and also concerning the impact of different regulatory regimes.

Title	Details
Market reform and Regulatory Administration: A Comparative Analysis of the Scandinavian Countries	View Paper Details
Comparing Regulatory Regimes: Towards Combining Trans Action Cost Economics and Institutional Legal Theory	View Paper Details
The Market as a Norm: The Impact of the EU on French Public Service Regulation	View Paper Details
Regulation, Organisation and Efficiency: Benchmarking of Public and Private Utilities	View Paper Details
Regulatory Reforms in Networks Infrastructures of the European Union - the Situation After Enlargement	View Paper Details
[TABLED PAPER] Criminal Producers, Silent Inspectors, and Surprised regulators: Explaining California's Unexpected Power Crisis of 2000-2001	View Paper Details