"Competition for the field" and pricing regulation: the case of the natural gas distribution in Italy

Journal title ECONOMICS AND POLICY OF ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Author/s Francesco Gullì
Publishing Year 2015 Issue 2014/2
Language English Pages 22 P. 21-42 File size 482 KB
DOI 10.3280/EFE2014-002002
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Recently, looking at the incoming tenders for the new territorial districts in Italy, the Italian energy authority approved the new regulatory regime for the natural gas distribution where the difference between the VIR (residual industrial value) and the RAB (regulatory assets based) is recognized only to the new entrant (disparity of treatment). This article demonstrates that this decision is sub-optimal for firms and consumers. Compared to the situation under parity of treatment (the difference VIR-RAB is recognized for both new entrant and incumbent), the authority’s choice implies distorted results (the less efficient firm would win the tender) and higher final prices for consumers.

Keywords: Competition, natural gas, regulation

Jel codes: L11, L51

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Francesco Gullì, "Competition for the field" and pricing regulation: the case of the natural gas distribution in Italy in "ECONOMICS AND POLICY OF ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT" 2/2014, pp 21-42, DOI: 10.3280/EFE2014-002002