July 2000 - The United Kingdom generally fights poverty directly-through the government's benefit system-and not through utilities. But British regulators have taken certain measures that help utility consumers (mostly, but not always, poor consumers). Other countries may be able to copy some of...

The United Kingdom generally fights poverty directly - through the government's benefit system - and not through utilities. But British regulators have taken certain measures that help utility consumers (mostly, but not always, poor consumers). Other countries may be able to copy some of their...

The author studies a number of ways in which British regulators have helped poorer consumers. British Telecommunications offers a lower user tariff, and a very cheap service with most outgoing calls barred, to attract customers who could not afford the full service. The gas regulator has taken...