Smart regulation in electricity markets: why the

In this addition to our channel, we flip the roles to discuss the "deregulation vs. regulation" debate for electricity markets. In our last episode, we discussed how the Texas blackout crisis was caused primarily by natural gas not reaching power plants. We concluded that the fact that Texas is on an independent grid from the rest of the country was a contributing factor, but ultimately not the root cause. But in the media, we've seen articles "blaming" deregulation for the crisis and a renewed debate on the topic.

In this video, Justin, who holds a PhD economics, explains that nearly ALL markets are regulated in some fashion. Markets are operated based on rules that govern trade and set out the responsibilities of all parties involved. Sensibly constructed rules lead to well-functioning markets, bad rules lead to a host of issues such as huge price fluctuations, supply shortages, supply excess/spoilage and fraud.

Justin explains that allowing consumer prices to fluctuate 100x the base price is simply a flawed market rule. Dynamic prices are designed to generate supply responses, at higher prices more methods of production become profitable, and these should "come online". Prices should be allowed to fluctuate in the range "that creates a meaningful response." In crisis periods where supply cannot respond (e.g. because all the power plants do not have enough fuel), prices should remain essentially fixed. Tune in to hear more.

You can also listen to Energy Explained on your favorite podcasting platforms:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/....podcast/energy-expla
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/....0zZLgIVEK495J0J1Dcqy
Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcast....s?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hb
Radio Public - https://radiopublic.com/energy-explained-G2QXnn
Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/energy-explained