In the past several decades, federal and state governments have searched for the optimal mechanisms to reduce pollutants produced during electric power generation. Technology-based limits forcing the use of enhanced pollution-control equipment, market mechanisms such as the federal acid rain or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs and incentives and mandates to deploy alternative energy sources have been adopted. Although these approaches have reduced emissions, electric power facilities remain the major source of toxic air emissions in the United States. Continued increases in energy demand will lead to construction of additional facilities, only some of which will utilize alternative fuels.

Meeting the enhanced demand for electricity has come at considerable financial as well as environmental expense. Peak demand, particularly in congested markets, contributes to higher electricity rates and challenges the ability of existing infrastructure to supply adequate and reliable power. Pennsylvania and other states have imposed temporary rate caps as they struggle to find long-term solutions to bringing reliable power to businesses and homes at the lowest cost. As Pennsylvania’s rate caps expire over the next two years, the resulting rate increases will have political, economic and social consequences. The impending price increases, which Public Utility Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy has described as “rate shock,” have prompted Pennsylvania to examine regulatory alternatives that have implications for the power industry, electricity consumers and the environment.

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