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Real‐Time Pricing and Imperfect Competition in Electricity Markets

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  • Stephen Poletti
  • Julian Wright

Abstract

We analyze the effects of the adoption of real‐time pricing (RTP) of electricity when generating firms have market power. We find that an increase in consumers on RTP contracts decreases peak prices and increases off‐peak prices, increases consumer surplus (both for switching and non‐switching consumers) and welfare, while decreasing industry profits, with these effects being magnified by the extent of market power. We illustrate these results by calibrating our model to the New Zealand electricity market, and find that taking into account the market power of generating firms increases the efficiency gains from RTP adoption by 41%.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Poletti & Julian Wright, 2020. "Real‐Time Pricing and Imperfect Competition in Electricity Markets," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 68(1), pages 93-135, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jindec:v:68:y:2020:i:1:p:93-135
    DOI: 10.1111/joie.12215
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Pébereau, Charles & Remmy, Kevin, 2023. "Barriers to real-time electricity pricing: Evidence from New Zealand," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    2. Fabra, Natalia, 2021. "The energy transition: An industrial economics perspective," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Anette Boom & Sebastian Schwenen, 2021. "Is real-time pricing smart for consumers?," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 60(2), pages 193-213, December.
    4. Enrich, Jacint & Li, Ruoyi & Mizrahi, Alejandro & Reguant, Mar, 2024. "Measuring the impact of time-of-use pricing on electricity consumption: Evidence from Spain," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    5. Pretto, Madeline, 2021. "Tail-risk Comprehension and Protection in Real-time Electricity Pricing : Experimental Evidence," Warwick-Monash Economics Student Papers 25, Warwick Monash Economics Student Papers.

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