The changing structure of the utility industry from the perspective of regulation authorities

Abstract

This chapter sets out the structural changes in the energy markets as seen by the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway [Bundesnetzagentur]. It describes not only the changes identified in the period from the late 1990s to the end of 2007, but also the emerging trends for the coming years. Both national and European developments are included. The structural changes taking place in the European energy markets can be described in regulatory terms under the headings: redefinition of the markets, unbundling and technical integration of the networks. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.