Letters to the Editor
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Deregulation answer? Not really...
AskDong: If the problem is that utilities are regulated, are you saying that if we deregulate distribution and transmission, that wages for line technicians will rise to where they become attractive to young applicants?
Not bloody likely. As the IBEW and other ultility worker unions have pointed out, deregulation has generally meant a free for all, increasing consolidation and so-called economies of scale down to the wire. The reality is, however, that the power companies have mostly avoided, as much as possible, any real investment in physical plant or labor force since such deregulation took effect. Theres no incentive to redo 50 year old power lines, when you can charge the same for them as you can a brand new, stable set of wiring.