The Climate and Community Project recently released a study in which they evaluate the patterns of deregulation and public-private partnerships of public energy utilities in South Africa, the UK, Uruguay, France and Nebraska. While all of these different context have their own history and nuances, they found that this shared pattern and the widespread adoption of neoliberal policies in the time when renewable energy technology emerged have had profoundly negative effects. They conclude that these policies aren’t up for the task of achieving the green transition in a way that is socially just. As an alternative they call for democratic public economic ownership and planning of electricity infrastructure.
The final words of the study are: “Based on the case studies, we see clear patterns emerging. We see the necessity of planning, the elimination of exposure to the profit incentive, and the potential social benefits that can accrue in places that prioritize public ownership. Our hope is that our observations of these patterns and recommendations will be of use to policymakers, program administrators and the general public—and to anyone who is wrestling with
the question of how the electric grid may be made to serve the cause of equity, affordability, and a livable future.”
The whole report can be read here.