8/30/23 post in The American Prospect by John Farrell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Starting with the Lahaina fire, Farrell cites several examples of disasters caused by private, for-profit, regulated monopoly electric utilities. Then he cites examples of corruption including “ghost” candidates in Florida and bribes to House Speakers in Ohio and Illinois (which might sound familiar to anyone familiar with the MA House), all funded with proceeds from ratepayers. Finally Farrell cites the benefits of public utility ownership, outdated laws that prevent it in some states, and campaigns to secure it such as Pine Tree Power in Maine.