International Benchmarking and Regulation: An Application to European Electricity Distribution Utilities

Tooraj Jamasb*, Michael Pollitt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Due to a shortage of data and increased international mergers, national energy regulators are looking to international benchmarking analyses for help in setting price controls within incentive regulation. We present an international benchmarking study of 63 regional electricity distribution utilities in six European countries that aims to illustrate the methodological and data issues encountered in the use of international benchmarking for utility regulation. The study examines the effect of the choice of benchmarking methods using DEA, COLS and SFA models. We discuss what problems of international benchmarking are highlighted by the study and how they can be overcome.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEnergy Policy
Volume31
Issue number15
Pages (from-to)1609-1622
Number of pages14
ISSN0301-4215
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Benchmarking
  • Incentive regulation
  • Performance analysis

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