 Ringfencing also keeps customer information within the public utility business private from the for-profit efforts of the parent company's other business.A high-profile success story with utility ringfencing occurred during the Enron meltdown of 2001–2002; Enron acquired Oregon-based Portland General Electric in 1997, but the local power generator was ringfenced by the state of Oregon prior to the acquisition being completed.This protected Portland General Electric's assets, and its consumers, when Enron declared bankruptcy amid massive accounting scandals.