Public interest programs and goals which could be compromised or abandoned by a competitive retail market for electric services.
Benefits of the current system of regulation of the utility industry that would not be realized in a purely competitive market structure. For example, the costs of support for energy conservation activities that utilities would not be able to undertake on their own in a competitive market.
Public interest programs and goals which could be compromised or abandoned by a restructured electric industry. These potential "stranded benefits" might include: environmental protection, fuel diversity, energy efficiency, low–income ratepayer assistance and other types of socially beneficial programs.
Benefits associated with regulated retail electric service which may be at risk under open market retail competition. Examples are conservation programs, fuel diversity, reliability of supply, and tax revenues based on utility reserves.
Special collection programs, renewable energy and demand side management programs, lifeline rates and other utility resources funded by a monopoly utility that may not be funded if the utility's competition does not have similar costs.