Electric power prices, energy charges, competitive abilities and employment possibilities

The question of to what extent regulated energy prices and differentiated energy tariffs or subsidies are reasonable tools for influencing a country's competitive abilities and employment possibilities is discussed. These means are compared with other possibilities such as subsidies on product prices, activities aimed at employer firms. These alternative means have a more direct influence, it is claimed. The authors argue for a clear direction in relation to certain strategies and models for the use of the various means. (AB)