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The Short-Run Effects of Time-Varying Prices in Competitive Electricity Markets

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  • Stephen P. Holland
  • Erin T. Mansur

Abstract

We analyze the efficiency, distributional, and environmental effects of real-time pricing (RTP) adoption in the short run. Consistent with theory, our simulations of the PJM electricity market show that RTP adoption improves efficiency and compresses the distributions of loads and prices. Adoption increases average load but decreases operating profits with the largest decrease for oil-fired generation (59% when all customers adopt). Consumer surplus and welfare gains are modest (2.5% and 0.24% of the energy bill), and emissions of SO2 and NOx increase but CO2 emissions decrease. Approximately 30% of these efficiency gains could be captured by varying flat rates monthly instead of annually. Monthly flat rate adjustment has many of the same effects as RTP adoption, captures more of the deadweight loss than time of use (TOU) rates, and requires no new metering technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen P. Holland & Erin T. Mansur, 2006. "The Short-Run Effects of Time-Varying Prices in Competitive Electricity Markets," The Energy Journal, , vol. 27(4), pages 127-156, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:27:y:2006:i:4:p:127-156
    DOI: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol27-No4-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Electricity prices; real-time-pricing (RTP); TOU policy; competition; welfare;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F0 - International Economics - - General

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