The United States regulatory compact and energy poverty

The aim of this paper is to analyze how utility regulation might evolve to encompass modern energy developments, thus addressing both the goals of reducing carbon and amerliorating fuel poverty. It begins by reviewing the origin of US utility regulation and describes the regulatory compact that resulted. It then discusses possible balancing measures, including tax-based subsidies, system benefit charges (taxes) on DG, stricter application of just and reasonable regulatory principles, and low-income-specific approaches to DG.