The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is seeking input from industry officials, trade associations, and others for a factfinding investigation of the electric power services markets in countries that have undertaken significant regulatory reform.

The investigation, Electric Power Services: Recent Reforms in Selected Foreign Markets (Investigation No. 332-411), was requested by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

As requested by USTR, the ITC will provide an examination of the electric power services markets in countries where significant market reform, privatization, and liberalization has occurred or is ongoing. The foreign markets to be examined are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and Venezuela.

The study will discuss the nature and extent of market reform, privatization, and liberalization undertaken in foreign electricity markets; examine current and evolving conditions of market access, investment, and regulation; and provide, if possible, a list of common regulatory practices insofar as these exist. For the purpose of this study, electric power services are broadly defined to include core areas such as electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as the electricity-related aspects of construction, engineering, consulting, and marketing services.

The ITC expects to submit its report to USTR by November 22, 2000. As soon as possible thereafter, the report is expected to be made available to the public.

The ITC seeks input for this report from all interested parties. Information submitted should focus on market access conditions in the subject markets, and regulatory reform measures that effectively promote competition. The ITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation on June 6, 2000. Requests to appear at the hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on May 23, 2000, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. For further information, call 202-205-1806.

The ITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on June 29, 2000. The hearing will be canceled if no witnesses are scheduled to appear as of the close of business on May 25, 2000. Any person interested in attending the hearing as an observer or non-participant may call the Secretary to the Commission (202-205-1806) after May 25, 2000, to determine whether the hearing will be held.

Further information on the scope of the investigation and appropriate submissions is available in the ITC's notice of investigation, dated January 24, 2000, which can be obtained from the ITC Internet server (www.usitc.gov) or may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-1806.