Traditional and Incentive Regulation

This book arrives at a time when further changes in the regulatory arena are being considered in response to the ongoing evolution of the Canadian natural gas industry. Greater efficiency in all aspects of gas supply, transmission and distribution is critical, and this has generally sharpened the focus of regulation on efficiency issues. This study sets out regulatory fundamentals and traditional regimes, and examines some of the main alternatives concerning the regulation of major gas pipelines in Canada. It draws on regulatory changes and experiments with respect to other sectors, such as telecommunications and electricity, as well as the pipeline sector in other jurisdictions. The study should be of great interest to regulated companies in gas transmission and distribution, oil pipelines, oil and gas producers, regulators, governments, and academics. Because of its generic nature, it should also be of interest to individuals involved in the regulation of other utilities. The Van Horne Institute for International Transportation and Regulatory Affairs is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 1992, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, and affiliated with The University of Calgary. The Institute has been established to address important transportation and related regulatory issues such as legislation, taxes, subsidies, technology and economics, and is funded through memberships and fees for services.