Utility Regulation and Grid Ownership

Learn who owns and operates the electric grid -- investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, and municipal systems -- plus how FERC, NERC, and state PUCs divide jurisdiction. 5 lessons, free.

1. 1 Who Owns Your Utility? The four ways a US electric utility can be owned, and how to tell them apart by who they answer to. 6 min
2. 2 The Deal: Monopoly and the Obligation to Serve Why one utility owns the wires in your area, and the legal bargain it accepts in exchange. Builds on the lesson above. That order will make more sense, but you can read this now. 7 min
3. 3 Who Regulates What: FERC, NERC, and Your State PUC The jurisdiction boundary that decides whether FERC, NERC, or your state PUC governs a given decision. 8 min
4. 4 How a Regulated Utility Makes Money Rate base, revenue requirement, and allowed return: why a utility earns money by building and owning assets. 9 min
5. 5 Co-ops, Munis, and the World IOU Material Skips The two-tier co-op structure (G&T vs distribution), public-power munis, and the RUS financing channel most courses ignore. 8 min