It may be a surprise to you find out that electricity prices are not simply chosen by the power company, the process is actually (in theory anyway) very structured.

Electricity is an essential service — considered a commodity, and power companies must continually invest in new power plants, transmission lines, substations, and other infrastructure to keep the lights on and meet future demand. These projects cost hundreds of millions of dollars and can take years to build.

To encourage those investments, utility companies are generally allowed to earn a reasonable return on the money they invest. The role of the regulator is to review those investments and determine whether they are necessary, efficient, and in the public interest. If they are, the regulator may allow the utility to recover those costs through electricity rates while earning a fair, but not excessive, return.

The goal is to strike a balance. Customers should receive reliable electricity at reasonable prices, while the utility earns enough to maintain the system and continue investing in improvements.

If the allowed return is too low, companies may delay investment or struggle to raise capital. If it is too high, customers may end up paying more than necessary.

Although every country has its own regulatory framework, the underlying principle is often the same: encourage investment, protect consumers, and ensure the electricity system remains reliable for years to come.