Public utility companies in Argentina (1880-2000)

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the changes in the ownership of Argentinean public utilities from their creation until their privatization at the end of the 20th century. We focus our study on: entrepreneurial tactics during the beginning of the 20th century that produced a monopolized sector; consumer’s complaints during the interwar period; Peron’s nationalizations; and Menem’s privatizations. Our main aim is to explain an apparent paradox: why both types of change in the ownership of public utilities (nationalization and privatization) occurred during peronist governments.