Drawing from the most recent work on economic regulation, this book introduces readers to the main principles and examines how economic regulation is applied in four key public utility industries – electricity, gas, water and telecommunications. Written for students and practitioners with little prior knowledge of economic regulation, this is accessible, non-technical entry point to the subject area, exploring the fundamental questions: Why do we regulate? What have been the impacts of regulations? Readers will gain a clear understanding of the basic principles that apply to all regulated sectors, as well as the regulatory choices that reflect the specific economic and physical characteristics of different industries.