Electric Utility Industry Restructuring and its Impact on Power Engineering Education

Transformation of the monopolistic electric industry into a competitive and free market system is underscored by the wide price variation of electricity. To address price variation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed the development of fair competition in the wholesale power market as a first step toward full deregulation of the industry. This paper will discuss the steps that would perpetuate the status quo, including price variation, and frustrate competition. Additionally, the restructured electric power industry will place a new demand on educational institutions. Excellent written and oral communication skills, negotiating skills, customer interaction, and understanding the economic and legal aspects of the business in addition to the new technical expertise are being sought by industry. Integration of soft skills in technical courses and use of new tools such as laptop computers and industrial grade programs in project oriented courses can prepare students for careers in a new electric power industry.