faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Science and technology

Privatization in Britain brings winners, losers

Article Abstract:

The privatization of the natural gas industry in Britain, which began with the sale of British Gas (BG) in 1986, has generally benefitted large users and at the same time kept the prices low due to competition. The low price is likely due to a general fall in oil price, which started in the 1980s. The gas industry has generally shifted charges from large to small users as large users have greater choice, since they can always negotiate prices with the various suppliers. With industry being lightly regulated, BG has opportunities to move some costs to small consumers to meet new challenges.

Management, Centrica PLC

---

Regulation, competition in natural gas industry

Article Abstract:

Government policies on natural-gas before Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) deregulated the prices were incorrectly based on the belief that policymakers could forecast demand, supply and prices of gas and anticipate problems and take timely corrective measures. For the natural-gas market to flourish, the government should recognize the huge capital costs involved and interdependence with the transportation network and provide enough statutory safeguards for these operations. Regulation at the federal, state and local levels should be better coordinated.

United States, Energy policy

---

Decade of enterprise in the United Kingdom

Article Abstract:

The economic development measures adopted by the UK Parliament to reinvigorate deteriorating urban centers has elicited mixed response. Investors showed a preference for economically recoverable safe zones, but less likely and infrastructurally weak areas were overlooked. The result was that certain areas exhibited progress, but others remained with nominal changes. Overall, the reformation efforts indicated a healthy trend by generating new jobs and stimulating entrepreneurship.

Social aspects, Analysis, Enterprise zones, Urban policy, Entrepreneurship

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.