The regulated monopolies are on the distribution end, not on the generation end. The generation end is hour- (and day-) ahead markets. The data in question -- m

The regulated monopolies are on the distribution end, not on the generation end. The generation end is hour- (and day-) ahead markets. The data in question -- metering data in this discussion, is enough to do price fixing. Those utilities with distribution divisions gain enough of an edge over those who don't to gouge consumers and go all monopolistic competition on thier competitors at the same time. Both of which are actions that break market efficiency. As for other commodity markets, im not super familiar with them, but I know in general price fixing and insider trading is illegal -- for good reason. Also an interesting observation on electricity is that it is far more "ideal" than a lot of commodities, in that there is absolutely no way to distinguish between generator A electricity and generator B electricity (unlike say... corn). There is also not nearly the consideration about movement involved -- Put it on the wire and the whole system adjusts accordingly (this is a physics thing more than a "good system" thing (mostly, but the system is good too)).