The latest PSIRU report shows that independent evaluation of performance of network industries is needed more than ever.

The report, commissioned by EPSU, clearly disputes the Commission’s claim that: "consumers benefit as market opening leads to better performing network industries."

Ideological conviction that liberalisation must work has blinded the Commission to much of the evidence pointing to the contrary. The PSIRU critique details for example the negative impact of electricity liberalization in USA, showing clearly that from 1996-2006 the electricity price gap between regulated US States (low price) and deregulated (high price) has increased steadily.

The PSIRU critique supports the case that independent, transparent and participative evaluation of the Network industries, through the establishment of a ’Network Industry Observatory’, is needed more than ever.

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EU-HEPNI - 09 2007