Status of Electric Sector Reform in Russia and the United Kingdom

Abstract

The restructuring and deregulation of the electric power sector has had a long-term history in many countries. The sector management and government of each country endeavors to apply positive experiences from other countries, taking into account technical and economic conditions and features of their own power sector. The article describes the main characteristics of the power sectors in Russia and the UK, as well as concepts and principles of the power sectors liberalization. The basic benefits of and differences between the reforming policies in both countries are shown. Although some elements of the Russia-UK power sector liberalization experience can hold less comparative value, the analytical comparison of aims and main components of the liberalization process, such as the principles of privatization, structure of property, competition promotion, and regulation practice can enhance policy learning.