Over the last fifteen years the world's largest developing countries have initiated market reform in their electric power sectors from generation to distribution. This book evaluates the experiences of five of those countries - Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa - as they have shifted from state-dominated systems to schemes allowing for a larger private sector role. As well as having the largest power systems in their regions and among the most rapidly rising consumption of electricity in the world, these countries are the locus of massive financial investment and the effects of their power systems are increasingly felt in world fuel markets. This accessible volume explains the origins of these reform efforts and offers a theory as to why - despite diverse backgrounds - reform efforts in all five countries have stalled in similar ways. The authors also offer practical advice to improve reform policies.

Over the last fifteen years the world's largest developing countries have initiated market reform in their electric power sectors from generation to distribution. This book evaluates the experiences of five of those countries - Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa - as they have shifted from state-dominated systems to schemes allowing for a larger private sector role. As well as having the largest power systems in their regions and among the most rapidly rising consumption of electricity in the world, these countries are the locus of massive financial investment and the effects of their power systems are increasingly felt in world fuel markets. This accessible volume explains the origins of these reform efforts and offers a theory as to why - despite diverse backgrounds - reform efforts in all five countries have stalled in similar ways. The authors also offer practical advice to improve reform policies.

An entire solar system with billions of people has been destroyed. It happened overnight, without warning, leaving behind only charred planetary fragments still orbiting their star like dark messengers of Armageddon. As captain of the Star Cruiser Charleston, you are sent to investigate but encounter only ashen landscapes and a frantic call for help from yet another system under attack. You now understand the disaster was not a natural phenomenon, but you know nothing about the real cause. As you answer the request from the newly besieged planets, however, you discover that you are facing unimaginably advanced technologies, your weapons are useless, and the fate of all mankind will depend upon your ability to control strange powers you have yet to uncover.

A Christmas story about a boy and his dog that takes place while the dog is fighting an illness as he goes on a magical journey to return a Christmas present to Santa to help save a little girls Christmas. Along the way he meets a variety of magical characters who join together to help bring the North Pole to life.