In recent years there has been a growing consensus within the electric utility industry that increased competition is inevitable, This article examines four competitive utility models from around the world to determine whether a competitive generation market will produce lower electric rates, The analysis shows that the British, Norwegian, Argentinean and Chilean experiences may provide limited support for electric utility reform in the US, But many of these foreign systems have abundant, low-cost, hydroelectric power or involve privatisation of publicly owned facilities which may offer benefits not available in the US, where electric rates are relatively low already.