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.
Miscellaneous
Scott Wallsten will be a guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show
Scott Wallsten will be a guest on the Kojo Nnamdi Show WAMU 88.5 FM on Tuesday, September 16 from noon – 1pm to discuss net neutrality and network management in the U.S.
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.
Jane Creel Named Vice President for Finance and Operations
The Technology Policy Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Creel as vice president for finance and operations.
Arlene Holen Appointed Senior Fellow, will Focus on Health IT
The Technology Policy Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Arlene Holen as senior fellow. “Arlene has a wealth of experience in high-level government positions working on a broad range of economic and budget issues,” said TPI president Tom Lenard. “She is precisely the right person to help us get our Health IT project off the ground. I am thrilled she has decided to join us.”
Reverse Auctions Can Reduce Expenditures on Universal Service, Wallsten finds
Reverse auctions can be an effective tool for reducing universal service subsidies and distributing them more efficiently, according to a new paper released by Technology Policy Institute vice president for research and senior fellow Scott Wallsten. The FCC’s action last Thursday capping the USF increases the pressure to find ways to do more with the available universal service funds. Reverse auctions are at the top of the list of available policy measures.
Paul Rubin Appointed Senior Fellow
The Technology Policy Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul H. Rubin as senior fellow. “Paul Rubin is one of the country’s most talented law and economics scholars,” said TPI president Tom Lenard. “His expertise in the economics of advertising, consumer protection, and competition will be invaluable to TPI. He has been at the forefront in studying information and privacy issues in both the offline and online worlds. I am thrilled he will be working with us.”
iGrowthGlobal Renamed Technology Policy Institute
Washington, DC – TPI is a think tank that focuses on the economics of innovation, technological change, and related regulation in the United States and around the world. Its mission is to advance knowledge and inform policymakers by producing independent, rigorous research and by sponsoring educational programs and conferences on major issues affecting information technology, communications, and energy policy. TPI was founded in 2007.
Costs of the War, Testimony before the Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Senate
TESTIMONY OF SCOTT WALLSTEN, PH.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR RESEARCH AND SENIOR FELLOW, TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE, BEFORE THE JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE, FEBRUARY 28, 2008
ICANN should not Terminate Ties to the Department of Commerce argues Lenard
Washington, DC – iGrowthGlobal president Thomas Lenard today filed comments with the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) on the Midterm Review of the 2006 Joint Project Agreement (JPA) that NTIA has with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). NTIA is requesting comments on whether ICANN is making progress toward fulfilling its responsibilities under the JPA, and on the continued transition to the private sector of the technical coordination and management of the Internet’s domain name and addressing system.