Second-Generation Reforms in Infrastructure Services

During the past two decades, some Latin American countries have made pioneering efforts in the design and implementation of reform schemes in infrastructure services. The "first generation of reforms" encompassed widespread privatization, deregulation, and restructuring of the provision of energy, water, telecommunications, and transport services. These reforms have proved generally successful as a way of creating an attractive environment for private investment. Outcomes have been mixed, however, in terms of increased efficiency, coverage, and consumer welfare. Second-Generation Reforms in Infrastructure Services evaluates the current challenges, the "second generation issues," leading to the consolidation of the initial reforms. Experts from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and international organizations deal with post-privatization dispute settlement mechanisms, access arrangements in network industries, and inroads to effective competition in the reformed industries. Several authors evaluate a set of contractual adjustments resulting from renegotiations and disputes that have taken place since the beginning of the reform process. In an effort to promote competition in the provision of public services, the authors suggest some practical rules for pricing access in network industries. The book presents a dynamic, global vision of second-generation reforms underway in energy markets around the world.