Electric power is one of the last major regulated industries to undergo some form of ?liberalization.? One of the most important steps has been creating regional transmission organizations (RTOs) in major regions of the country. RTOs are independent non-profit entities that operate utility-owned transmission networks. They are intended to increase competition and efficiency in the market for wholesale power, which should lead to lower wholesale prices. This paper tests whether RTOs have, in fact, achieved this goal.
All Publications
Research Papers
DTV coupon program mainly benefits retailers, not consumers
TPI vice president for research and senior fellow Scott Wallsten finds that the government’s DTV coupon program has increased the price of digital-to-analog converter boxes by $21-$34, meaning that the subsidy is primarily benefiting retailers rather than consumers. The $40 coupons made available to all households means that consumers pay $0 for any retail price less than $40 for eligible boxes, thus diminishing price competition among retailers.
Press Releases
September 26th Event: Powering the Future, Key Energy Issues For the Next Administration
The Technology Policy Institute is hosting a conference to discuss this country’s energy future, highlighted by a preview of the next Administration’s policy options from Douglas Holtz-Eakin representing the McCain campaign and Jason Grumet representing the Obama campaign.
Testimony and Filings
Testimony for FCC en banc hearing at Carnegie Mellon University on broadband and the digital future
Thank you for inviting me to testify today. I will make the following points. Broadband deployment and growth in the United States is strong, and we compare favorably to the rest of the world, despite conventional wisdom. There is no crisis and no apparent market failure. We can take the time to come up with an intelligent national broadband policy to ensure continued investment and innovation in this critical infrastructure.
Press Releases
“Free” Broadband Requirement in AWS-3 Spectrum Auction is a Step Backward, Lenard argues in FCC Comments
Technology Policy Institute president and senior fellow Thomas Lenard filed comments today with the Federal Communications Commission on its proposal to auction the 2155-2175 MHz band (AWS-3) subject to rules that would require the winner to offer a basic tier of free wireless broadband service that virtually the entire U.S. population could access. The service conditions are similar to those contained in a 2006 application by M2Z to obtain this spectrum for free.