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Horizontal subcontracting and investment in idle dispatchable power plants

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  • Bouckaert, Jan
  • Van Moer, Geert

Abstract

We analyze horizontal subcontracting and show how idle production facilities can reduce contracting costs by credibly protecting against hold-up. Our analysis contributes to understanding competition between power firms that increasingly use intermittent generation sources. Their unilateral incentives to invest in maintaining underused units, such as dispatchable gas-fired plants, are underrated by plant profitability indicators. From a policy perspective, decentralized strategic investment incentives reduce the possible need for centralized security of supply measures. Our welfare analysis indicates that quantity competition can lead to a lower market-clearing price than price competition.

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  • Bouckaert, Jan & Van Moer, Geert, 2017. "Horizontal subcontracting and investment in idle dispatchable power plants," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 307-332.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:indorg:v:52:y:2017:i:c:p:307-332
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijindorg.2017.02.001
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    Cited by:

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    2. Bouckaert, Jan & Van Moer, Geert, 2021. "Joint bidding and horizontal subcontracting," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Horizontal subcontracting; Security of supply; Strategic investment; Intermittent energy sources;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities

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