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A meta-regression analysis of benchmarking studies on water utilities market structure

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  • Carvalho, Pedro
  • Marques, Rui Cunha
  • Berg, Sanford

Abstract

This paper updates the literature on water utility benchmarking studies developed worldwide, focusing on scale and scope economies. Using meta-regression analysis, the study investigates which variables from published studies influence these economies. Our analysis yields several conclusions. The results indicate that there is a higher probability of finding diseconomies of scale and scope in large utilities; however, only the results for scale economies are significant. Diseconomies of scale and scope are more likely to be found in publicly-owned utilities than when the ownership is private; as would be expected, multi-utilities are more likely to have scale and scope economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Carvalho, Pedro & Marques, Rui Cunha & Berg, Sanford, 2012. "A meta-regression analysis of benchmarking studies on water utilities market structure," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 40-49.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:21:y:2012:i:c:p:40-49
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2011.12.005
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Scale economies; Scope economies; Meta-regression analysis; Water utilities;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L95 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Gas Utilities; Pipelines; Water Utilities
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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