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Does the ownership of utilities matter for social outcomes? A survey of the evidence for developing countries

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  • Lisa Bagnoli
  • Salvador Bertomeu-Sanchez
  • Antonio Estache
  • Maria Vagliasindi

Abstract

This paper surveys the evidence on the relevance of the ownership choice for electricity and water and sanitation utilities with respect to access and affordability in developing countries. It shows that most of the widely quoted evidence is outdated and fails to reflect the long-term effects of choices made in the 1990s. The most recent data suggests that ownership affects social outcomes less than regulatory governance and market structure. The evidence is however not precise enough yet. More research is needed to determine how context and institutional constraints, including regulatory capacity, should influence ownership choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Bagnoli & Salvador Bertomeu-Sanchez & Antonio Estache & Maria Vagliasindi, 2023. "Does the ownership of utilities matter for social outcomes? A survey of the evidence for developing countries," Journal of Economic Policy Reform, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(1), pages 24-43, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jpolrf:v:26:y:2023:i:1:p:24-43
    DOI: 10.1080/17487870.2021.1997747
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