This certainly has been the case in the natural gas industry. Competition changed it forever, and for the better. The restructuring of an interstate gas transportation system and deregulation of prices made the market for natural gas price-transparent. The development and expansion of market hubs and capacity trading have spurred more consumption and lower prices for customers. In fact, prices have dropped by a third in the last 15 years, and natural gas use is at an all-time high.
Past is prologue.
The full benefits from electricity restructuring will be realized only within a framework of federal statutes. Federal action is necessary for state restructuring programs to achieve their maximum potential. Electrons ignore state borders. Electricity markets are becoming increasingly regional and multi-regional. Actions in one state can and do affect consumers in others.