"Such a rule, as the default, would shield public authorities from the dangers of long-term lock-in," Mrs. Kroes said at the time.
For example, the regulator has moved towards outlawing rollover contracts (though not banned them altogether), which automatically switch businesses from one long-term locked-in poor deal to another unless they opt out at a specific moment.
Of course, there are only five months left in the year, so this isn't exactly a long-term lock-in.
That could include more long-term locked psychiatric beds for the most severe cases, as well as expanding programs that treat people in the community.
Some lenders have a non competitive long term lock along with a fee.
German consumers will bear the price with higher utility bills, as the pipeline was financed under long-term contracts locking in high natural gas prices.
In the Peterses' case, the request was granted and, except for a few brief periods, including when Scott was transferred for several weeks in late 2000 to a disciplinary housing unit known as long-term keep-lock for threatening a guard, they have shared a cell, though different ones over the years.
In addition, it's often argued that relying on natural gas as a "bridge fuel" will lead to long-term "carbon lock-in" and delay innovations in renewables.
"I said to Ronde: 'Should I push for a long-term deal?' " Mr. Lock recalled asking.
They pay high prices to handset makers and then, in America as in other countries, heavily subsidise the phones to sell to consumers and businesses, requiring long-term contracts to lock in a return on that initial subsidy.
