Regulation and Innovation - The Case of Electricity Guest Lecture in Political Science 145

Explore the intersection of regulation and innovation in the electricity sector through this guest lecture by Lynne Kiesling, Associate Professor of Instruction in Economics at Northwestern University. Delve into the effects of regulatory institutions on technological change and innovation in the electric power industry. Gain insights into microeconomics, environmental economics, antitrust, and the history of economic thought as they relate to the energy sector. Examine key themes such as disruptive technologies, the utility death spiral, integrated grids, and the knowledge problem. Learn about the contributions of Elinor Ostrom and Joseph Schumpeter to the field. Discover the importance of institutional frameworks and the potential of smart grids. Engage with thought-provoking questions on public choice, digital currencies, and the future of electricity distribution platforms.

Introduction
Themes
Context
History
Technological change
Elinor Ostrom
Disruptive technologies in electricity
Joseph Schumpeter
Why should you care
The utility death spiral
The integrated grid
The Internet secret sauce
Distribution platform
Knowledge problem
Institutional framework
Questions
Smart Grid
Ted Koppel
Public Choice
Digital Currencies
Voltage and Frequency