Under a regulated monopoly system, utility companies may find it in their best interests to provide public-interest programs and benefits which they cannot provide in a competitive environment without sacrificing profitability. These benefits might include environmental and fuel diversity programs and low-income ratepayer assistance.

Whether these benefits become stranded or not depends upon how industry deregulation is handled. If all parties in a competitive marketplace are required to provide public benefits programs to a level defined by a regulating agency, then these programs could be made available in a competitive marketplace at a lower cost than under a monopoly system. When no such requirements are made of utility companies, these benefits may indeed become "stranded" if none of the competing utilities believe they will be commercially viable.

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