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Competition under revenue-cap regulation with efficiency benchmarking: tariff related incentives for gas transmission system operators in merged markets

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  • Jann T. Keller

    (University of Groningen
    Gastransport Nord GmbH (GTG))

  • Gerard H. Kuper

    (University of Groningen)

  • Machiel Mulder

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

In Europe, gas market mergers aim at reducing restrictions on gas wholesale markets. Market mergers also allow network users to book transport capacity at different gas transmission system operators (TSOs), which may give rise to inter-TSO competition. Our theoretical analysis reveals the incentive for TSOs, operating under a revenue-cap regulation in merged markets, to charge lower tariffs at borders where different TSOs offer capacity, compared to borders where only one TSO offers capacity. This incentive does not directly result from revenue-cap regulation but is due to efficiency benchmarking. We test this hypothesis by applying a panel data analysis to tariffs charged at German border points between 2015 and 2018. In line with our hypothesis, we find lower tariffs at those border points where network users have a choice between different TSOs. An additional sensitivity analysis differentiating between transit and meshed networks confirms this result. We conclude that German TSOs, operating in merged markets and under a revenue-cap regime with efficiency benchmarking, compete for demand at borders at which different TSOs offer capacity.

Suggested Citation

  • Jann T. Keller & Gerard H. Kuper & Machiel Mulder, 2020. "Competition under revenue-cap regulation with efficiency benchmarking: tariff related incentives for gas transmission system operators in merged markets," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 141-165, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:regeco:v:58:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s11149-020-09414-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11149-020-09414-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Keller, Jann T. & Kuper, Gerard H. & Mulder, Machiel, 2022. "Challenging natural monopolies: Assessing market power of gas transmission system operators for cross-border capacity," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gas market; Tariff regulation; Competition; Market merger;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D47 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Market Design
    • K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • L95 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Gas Utilities; Pipelines; Water Utilities
    • L98 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Government Policy
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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