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Bidding and Investment in Wholesale Electricity Markets: Discriminatory versus Uniform-Price Auctions

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  • Willems, Bert
  • Yueting, Yu

Abstract

We compare uniform and discriminatory-price auctions in wholesale electricity markets, studying both long-run investment incentives and short-run bidding behaviors. We develop a monopolistic competition model with a continuum of generation technologies ranging from base load to peak load, free entry and uncertain elastic demand. Our findings reveal that discriminatory-price auctions are inefficient because consumers’ willingness to pay exceeds the marginal costs and investment incentives are distorted. Despite having an equal total installed capacity, the generation mix under discriminatory-price auctions skews towards a shortage of base-load technologies. Consequently, this results in a lower long-run consumer surplus.

Suggested Citation

  • Willems, Bert & Yueting, Yu, 2023. "Bidding and Investment in Wholesale Electricity Markets: Discriminatory versus Uniform-Price Auctions," TSE Working Papers 23-1462, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
    • Handle: RePEc:tse:wpaper:128423
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James B. Bushnell & Erin T. Mansur & Celeste Saravia, 2008. "Vertical Arrangements, Market Structure, and Competition: An Analysis of Restructured US Electricity Markets," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 98(1), pages 237-266, March.
    2. Robert Wilson, 2002. "Architecture of Power Markets," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 70(4), pages 1299-1340, July.
    3. Holmberg, Pär & Willems, Bert, 2015. "Relaxing competition through speculation: Committing to a negative supply slope," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 159(PA), pages 236-266.
    4. Bower, John & Bunn, Derek, 2001. "Experimental analysis of the efficiency of uniform-price versus discriminatory auctions in the England and Wales electricity market," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 25(3-4), pages 561-592, March.
    5. Natalia Fabra & Juan Toro, 2003. "The Fall in British Electricity Prices: Market Rules, Market Structure, or Both?," Industrial Organization 0309001, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities

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