This paper addresses the merits of ownership unbundling of distribution networks, as exemplified in the case of The Netherlands. In essence, this problem concerns the question of whether the operation and management of electricity distribution networks in this country will evolve into a market-driven commodity business or remain a genuine public utility task. In order to deal with this problem, a framework is developed that enables the classification of different institutional regimes. Depending on the nature of the institutional regime, this case of the Netherlands illustrates how certain aspects of the liberalisation of the electricity sector can become vitally important to the continuing process of restructuring. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.