As the electric utility industry moves into a restructured environment, mergers and acquisitions are a common response.

The merger of electric utilities poses both perils and potentials for consumers. As one community group found with respect to the proposed Primergy merger in Minnesota, merged utilities represent significant threats to the level of service provided to consumers. In addition, as the Iowa Community Action Association found with respect to the proposed Alliant merger, mergers often threaten to dilute the low-income programs of a more progressive utility.