Electricity Distribution in the UK and Japan: A Comparative Efficiency Analysis 1985-1998

Toru Hattori, Tooraj Jamasb*, Michael Pollitt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines the relative performance of electricity distribution systems in the UK and Japan between 1985 and 1998 using cost-based benchmarking with data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) methods. The results suggest that the productivity gain in the UK electricity distribution has been larger than in the Japanese sector. In particular, productivity growth accelerated during the last years when the UK utilities were operating under tightened revenue caps. It also suggests that efficiency scores are higher for UK utilities. The findings also highlight the advantages of using multiple techniques in comparative analysis and in incentive regulation.
Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Energy Journal
Volume26
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)23-47
Number of pages25
ISSN0195-6574
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

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