WBK Unveils White Paper on the Perils of Energy Deregulation

Following the Texas and California power crises, energy experts describe how utility regulatory model failure has led to reliability and consumer problems

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP (WBK) released a white paper on the pitfalls of energy deregulation. After the recent power crises in Texas and California, the white paper takes a critical look at states that have chosen to deregulate and serves to inform policymakers and the general public on the risks of utility restructuring.

“The situations that have unfolded in Texas and California are tragic,” said Tony Clark, senior advisor at WBK and former FERC Commissioner. “Advocates of deregulation promised more competition, innovation, reliable service and lower consumer prices. Deregulation has not delivered on those promises.”

Key takeaways from the white paper, titled “At the Precipice: The Perils of Utility Restructuring”, include:

• Deregulation creates unnecessary risks for consumers
• Electricity is a necessity; we shouldn’t treat it as just another commodity
• Deregulation helps big users cut costs at the expense of everyday consumers
• The RTO/ISO value proposition should be carefully assessed by states

The white paper is co-authored by Clark and WBK attorneys Raymond Gifford, Matthew Larson and Michael Miller. Click here to read the full white paper.

About Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP (WBK)

With offices in Washington, DC, and Denver, CO, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP is one of the nation's largest law firms dedicated primarily to the practice of energy, communications and technology law. WBK has earned First Tier ratings in Chambers USA, Legal 500 and in US News-Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms."​ The firm provides strategic advice and advocacy on legal, regulatory and policy issues at the state and federal level, offers counsel on corporate and commercial transactions and handles enforcement and litigation proceedings.