Taking power: social and political dynamics of the energy sector

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wood, Davida

Affiliations: Energy Team, Office of Infrastructure and Engineering Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade US Agency for International Development, E-mail <[email protected]>

Abstract: The trend towards privatization of the utility sector has been accompanied by a shifting relationship to the public. While state owners of utilities derive legitimacy from being accountable to citizens, sector decision-makers now principally relate to the public as customers. This paper explores (1) how, fundamentally different understandings of public participation amongst stakeholders have stunted meaningful dialogue and (2) institutional frameworks where public and private interests intersect and the potential for win-win solutions.

DOI: 10.3233/IJR-120046

Journal: International Journal of Regulation and Governance, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 69-91, 2005