I am a grad. student researching the U.S. electric grid. This book stands out as one of the best on the subject. I have not read all of it yet, but the long chapter called "Objectives, and Mechanics of Competitive Electricity Markets" by Walter Hall et al. is an excellent, thorough, well-written explanation of the complex subject of electric markets. It does a good job explaining FERC Order 2000's encouraging development of RTOs and also the purposes of RTOs, and types and the distinction between RTOs and ISOs and transcos. This chapter then looks at how the different regions have set up their regulations, markets, and operations.I would recommend this book for anyone who needs to understand the electric grid at a deeper level than Wikipedia can provide. Although it is not written for a general audience, it is completely accessible for anyone with an interest in the power industry.