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Has benchmarking improved the performance of the Australian electricity distribution utilities? A meta-frontier model

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Listed:
  • Bu, Lin-Lan
  • Kopsakangas-Savolainen, Maria
  • Xie, Bai-Chen
  • Li, Hong-Zhou
  • Liu, Yi-Meng
  • Yin, Shao-Peng

Abstract

This research evaluates the effects of performance benchmarking for public utilities using the Australian experience, providing empirical support for the significance of mechanism design in implementing revenue-cap regulation. We estimate the efficiency and productivity of Australian electricity distribution providers by utilizing the meta-frontier framework with panel data covering the period from 2007 to 2021. Our findings indicate that introducing benchmarking has facilitated technological progress and reduced efficiency gaps among companies. However, there is no statistically significant difference in the average efficiency between the periods before and after the reform, potentially due to strategic behavior exhibited by network service providers.

Suggested Citation

  • Bu, Lin-Lan & Kopsakangas-Savolainen, Maria & Xie, Bai-Chen & Li, Hong-Zhou & Liu, Yi-Meng & Yin, Shao-Peng, 2024. "Has benchmarking improved the performance of the Australian electricity distribution utilities? A meta-frontier model," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:88:y:2024:i:c:s0957178724000274
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2024.101734
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