Energy Market Reform 2004

Twenty years or more into the energy market reform process conflicting advice abounds. Some general lessons have emerged, often in direct opposition to earlier perceived wisdom, while many questions remain. This is the context of this latest WEC study on Energy Market Reform which focuses on lessons learned and access problems for developing countries. This is an empowering report in so far as its key message is that 'one size does not fit all', there is no silver bullet for energy market reform. It is a report providing justification for diversity of approach, in some circumstances justifying the deployment of subsidies to facilitate 'lifeline access' while in other circumstances accepting the existence of monopolies. As such this report is good news for developing countries looking at reform of their energy economy.