Each month, here, in this very spot, the History Repeats column takes a look back on the large moments in the history of utility regulation and policy. And in doing so, we seek the lessons of history that might be applicable to the practice of pursuing the public interest in the present and the years ahead.

This month we choose to consider the past, present, and future of choice. Or rather, to be more precise, we mean to consider herein the past, present, and future of policymakers' choice — in about a quarter of the states — to allow choice.