It would be unfortunate if this trend were to persist. What is needed is for the new energy policy to reverse the trend and provide the public with certainty. Throughout the world, introducing free market competition, when done properly, has meant lower prices for consumers. The challenge will be to avoid promoting policies that seem to favor special interests, to address short-term fixes that could be expensive in the long run, and to unwind policies and programs already in place. But, as competition becomes more pervasive and monopoly structures disappear in the energy industry, credit quality could be at risk.
Energy is inherently a risky business, but poorly regulated energy is even riskier.
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