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From Transition to Competition: Dynamic Efficiency Analysis of Polish Electricity Distribution Companies

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  • Astrid Cullmann
  • Christian von Hirschhausen

Abstract

In this paper we test the hypothesis that the economic transition toward a market economy increases the efficiency of firms. We study 32 Polish electricity distribution companies between 1997-2002, by applying common benchmarking methods to the panel: the nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA), the free disposal hull (FDH), and, as a parametric approach, the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). We then measure and decompose productivity change with Malmquist indices. We find that the technical efficiency of the companies has indeed increased during the transition, while allocative efficiency has deteriorated. We also find significantly increasing returns to scale, suggesting that the regulatory authority should allow companies to merge into larger units.

Suggested Citation

  • Astrid Cullmann & Christian von Hirschhausen, 2007. "From Transition to Competition: Dynamic Efficiency Analysis of Polish Electricity Distribution Companies," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 716, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwwpp:dp716
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Efficiency analysis; electricity distribution; transition; econometric methods; Poland; DEA; SFA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P31 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Socialist Enterprises and Their Transitions
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • L43 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Legal Monopolies and Regulation or Deregulation
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General

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