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Democracy and Energy Regulation
By Jerrold Oppenheim and Theo MacGregor
Paris 26th of September 2007

Energy touches many facets of life ? politics, economics, health, perhaps our very survival. It is therefore vital in a democratic society that energy be governed in a democratic way.
Democratic governance is possible whether energy utilities are investor-owned, municipally-owned, or state-owned. Democratic governance is possible whether the market structure is monopoly or liberalized. The key is democratic regulation. The authors will spell out the five elements required. Democratic regulation can resolve such difficult conflicts as those between short-term and long-term concerns, and between economic and non-economic interests. Environmental sustainability is possible as long as there are democratic governance structures to reconcile the apparent conflict between price and sustainability and to develop long-term mandates for renewables and energy efficiency.
There are many structures that can accomplish democratic regulation. One is Citizens Utility Boards, groups of citizens with a mandated ?seat at the table? from which they advocate for citizen interests before an independent democratic regulator.
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Risques climatiques et économiques liés au fonctionnement de marché de permis d'émission, 19th of January
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Controversies and Approaches on Mid-term Target Setting in Japan: from 8% to 25%, Paris, 27th of October
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Environmental Change and Forced Migration, Paris, 12th of May
The rise of the Arctic: Resource periphery to geopolitical battleground, Paris, 21st of April
Insurance Mechanisms to help Developing Countries respond to Climate Change, Paris, 17th of March
Crises environnementales et flux migratoires: mécanismes de protection et de gouvernance, Paris, 24th of February
Une mer sans poissons : Vers une approche écosystémique des pêches, Paris, 27th of January
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Energy Security and Climate Change, Paris, 18th of November
Implementing and financing Sustainable Development: A grassroots experience, Paris, 14th of October
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