Could Duke & Progress Energy merge?

[ChiefJoJo]

This article says it could. It doesn't seem likely in the short term, but it would likely create one of the largest--if not the largest--public utility in the nation.

[DanRNC]

^Doubtful this would get through regulators-this would be the first step for monopolization of energy utilities in the US.

[Raintree21]

Could this be compared to the TVA? They monopolize several states. I realize they are a government agency.

[suburban george3]

I don't think I'm in favor of consolidating energy companies, it would put a monopoly on our area and probably increase rates!

[Raintree21]

Just to play the devil's advocate, the article says the opposite. That prices would likely decrease due to the consolidation. They would gain supplies, technology, resources, capacity/generation, etc. and thus be able to lower prices.

[DanRNC]

^They obviously are not going to say this merger will increase rates (its called corporate speak)-see the banking industry where consolidation has resulted in the addtion of exorbinant fee increases, decreased access to services, etc. (just the opposite of what they claimed). Would you favor a consolidation of pharmaceutical companies or oil companies?-consolidation leads to reduced market competition which in turn results in higher prices and decreased quality of services (most of the time).