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The welfare effects of unbundling gas storage and distribution

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  • Breton, Michèle
  • Kharbach, Mohammed

Abstract

We use a stylized gas system to study the use of access-to-gas storage in a seasonal model. In a duopoly setting, we find that welfare is higher under vertical integration and open access organization than under separate management of storage and distribution. This raises questions about recent regulatory reforms in the gas sectors in the US and Europe, supporting the separation of storage and merchant activities. In the absence of other justifying reasons such as encouraging competition by creating a level playing field, separating the management and accounting functions of storage activities from those of distribution may be a better option than real divestiture, on the basis of welfare arguments.

Suggested Citation

  • Breton, Michèle & Kharbach, Mohammed, 2008. "The welfare effects of unbundling gas storage and distribution," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 732-747, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eneeco:v:30:y:2008:i:3:p:732-747
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saloner, Garth, 1987. "Cournot duopoly with two production periods," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 183-187, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen, Siyuan & Zhang, Qi & Wang, Ge & Zhu, Lijing & Li, Yan, 2018. "Investment strategy for underground gas storage facilities based on real option model considering gas market reform in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 132-142.

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