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The Effect of Restructuring Electricity Distribution Systems on Firms’ Persistent and Transient Efficiency: The Case of Germany

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  • Oleg Badunenko
  • Astrid Cullmann
  • Subal C. Kumbhakar
  • Maria Nieswand

Abstract

We evaluate the efficiency of electricity distribution operators (DSOs) as providers of local public infrastructure. In particular, we consider two types of efficiency, i.e., short-term (transient) and long-term (persistent). We apply the recently developed four-component stochastic frontier model, which allows identifying determinants of the two types of efficiency, after controlling for firm heterogeneity and random noise, to a panel dataset of German DSOs observed during 2006-2012.Those DSOs operating in the eastern parts of Germany have undergone a profound restructuring after the reunification in 1990. We find that this was beneficial for their efficiency as they perform, on average, better in terms of persistent efficiency than DSOs in West Germany. Both eastern and western DSOs perform similarly well in terms of transient efficiency, which is expected as the sector is highly regulated. As such, we provide new insights on identifying the nature and sources of public infrastructure productive inefficiency, which is relevant for public policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Oleg Badunenko & Astrid Cullmann & Subal C. Kumbhakar & Maria Nieswand, 2021. "The Effect of Restructuring Electricity Distribution Systems on Firms’ Persistent and Transient Efficiency: The Case of Germany," The Energy Journal, , vol. 42(4), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:42:y:2021:i:4:p:1-20
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.42.4.obad
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Badunenko, Oleg & Cullmann, Astrid & Nieswand, Maria, 2025. "Integrating renewable energy resources in electricity distribution systems—A firm-level efficiency analysis for Sweden controlling for weather conditions," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    2. Li, Biao & Xie, Bai-Chen & Yu, Xiao-Chen & She, Zhen-Yu & Hu, Wenhao, 2025. "Does the incentive policy for renewable energy grid connection affect the technical efficiency of power grid companies? Empirical analysis based on China and Japan," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 28-47.

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