Francisco Javier Ramos-Real

Adapting Productivity Theory to the Quadratic Cost Function. An Application to the Spanish Electric Sector

In this article we have adapted productivity analysis to the case of a cost model using a quadratic cost function and discrete data. The main theoretical result is a productivity index that can be decomposed into modified versions of the contribution of technical change and the effect of the variations in the scale of production. This framework has been applied to the study of the Spanish electric sector from 1985 to 1996, during which relevant regulatory changes were introduced in order to increase productivity. For this, a normalized quadratic cost function was estimated. The results show important productivity gains with both technical change and scale effect playing important roles.

Cost functions and the electric utility industry. A contribution to the debate on deregulation

This study analyses the main articles that estimate cost functions in the electricity utility industry with a view to studying of the initial arguments for proposing competition and vertical disintegration. The works reviewed here, in general terms, confirm the initial arguments in favour of the deregulation process, mainly, the exhaustion of scale economies for moderate size firms in generation and the condition of natural monopoly for transmission and distribution. However, the savings obtained from undertaking different activities together should be kept in mind when restructuring the sector. On the other hand, the improvements in productivity deriving from the reforms have not translated into reductions in the price of electricity in many countries. These last two results suggest the need for appropriate market regulation for the deregulation process to translate into an improvement in how the sector works and into benefits for consumers. There is still insufficient empirical literature on these issues due to the fact that the process is still ongoing in many countries and more time will have to transpire before sufficient data is available.

Structure, Functioning and Regulation of the Spanish Electricity Sector. The Legal Framework and the New Proposals for Reform

An electrical system consists of a series of distinct stages: generation, transmission, distribution and supply (merchandising) of electricity services to the end-users. The traditional organisational model assumes, implicitly or explicitly, the extension of a natural monopoly condition from some of these stages to others. This is a consequence of the presumptive existence of strong, vertically-integrated economies. On the other hand, an increasing number of studies have proposed the vertical disintegration of the sector, suggesting that the common ownership of the different stages of the electric sector should be replaced by the introduction of competition wherever possible. These ideas have been developed within the context of a critique of the traditional control structure, characteristic of natural monopolies, which has been emerging in the industrialised world since the 1980’ s. The emphasis has now shifted towards the internal efficiency of the companies involved, and to uncovering those faults in the regulatory system which do not allow the product to be obtained at minimum cost.

Efficiency and performance in gas distribution. Evidence from Brazil

This article analyses the current state of the gas distribution industry in Brazil, by identifying the main factors that determine its efficiency. In order to test the performance of the industry, we have calculated the firms’ technical efficiency during the period 2001–2009. We analyse whether some economic and technological factors as consumer density, load factor or regulation, among others, have affected the performance of this industry. We show that companies serving markets with different customer characteristics (diversification) have reached higher levels of efficiency and evolved faster. Moreover, the private ownership and price cap regulation are more efficient in relation to public ownership and cost of service regulation. These findings are important to support the improvement of the regulation of gas distribution in the Brazilian states.