POWER SURGE

Leveled (2006) U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT/2/13/ 43

A 1935 bill to break up electric monopolies has been over turned. Enthusiasts say that as power companies merge into even larger ones, there will be economy of scale. Grids will be improved and your electric bill will go down.

Don't believe say critics, this is monopoly capitalism. Look at Alberta, it went from three regulated Ma & Pa's to a large electronic oligopoly and the end result was higher prices. Some companies plan to move to other provinces where energy is cheaper. So if you local utility goes, it is the same as your supermarket, car dealer, and movie theatre.

Right now, there are 3,000 utilities and 240 investor owned utilities. The smart money is on

about 3 to 5 giants in the future.