好书·新书 |《电力消费社会》：一部追踪电力如何成为市场商品的民族志探险之作

Core Insights - The book "The Electric Consumption Society" explores the transformation of electricity from a natural monopoly to a real-time traded commodity, highlighting the complexities involved in this transition [2][12] - It emphasizes the interplay between technology, policy, and market logic in shaping the electricity market, revealing how technical knowledge and practices are embedded in modern capitalism [2][12] Group 1: Electricity Economics - Electricity is a unique commodity that cannot be stored easily, requiring real-time consumption and delivery [16][18] - Historically, electricity was viewed as a natural monopoly, with high initial investment costs preventing competition, but regulatory changes have allowed for market competition in the sector [19][20] - The 1992 Energy Policy Act enabled states to break electricity monopolies, leading to the establishment of competitive electricity markets across the U.S. [20] Group 2: Market Construction - The book investigates the processes and expertise involved in establishing and maintaining electricity markets, questioning how non-market areas of social life have become market-driven [22] - It highlights the role of various stakeholders, including traders and consumers, in navigating and surviving within these newly formed markets [22] - The narrative challenges traditional economic views by illustrating how electricity markets have evolved into a reality previously deemed impossible [20][22]