From its very beginning, the electric utility industry has been a proving ground for government intervention. This book analyzes the municipal ownership experience in the electric utility industry. The author explores the reasons for the substantial changes resulting from the municipal participation in the electric power industry during the period 1882-1981 by examining the various causes of entry and exit of municipal electric utilities. This study documents causes of change and appraises their relative importance. Based on a comprehensive study of hundreds of historical accounts, this book is an important case study of government ownership.