Examines the federal role in the ownership and management of electrical power programs, many of which serve multiple purposes, such as flood control and irrigation. It addresses concerns that have risen about the efficiency of the government's power operations and the federal budget, reviews the arguments for changing the management of federal power programs, and describes three options for change: management reform, transfer to local governments, and privatization. Estimates of the potential market value of federal power assets are presented as well as the budgetary impact of selling them. Tables and figures.

The nation originally invested in electrical power programs as a way of fostering regional development and promoting competition in power markets. Many of the projects serve multiple purposes, such as flood control and irrigation. But as concerns have risen about the efficiency of the government power operations and the federal budget, some people question the wisdom of continuing government ownership of power assets. This study, prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in response to a request from the House Committee on the Budget, reviews the arguments for changing the management of federal power programs and describes three options for change: management reform, transfer to local governments, and privatization. The study presents estimates of the potential market value of federal power assets and the budgetary impact of selling them.