Abstract

RAMOS REAL, F.J.  and  TOVAR, B.. Revisiting electric utilities' efficiency in the Southern African Power Pool, 1998-2009. J. energy South. Afr. [online]. 2020, vol.31, n.1, pp.1-13. ISSN 2413-3051.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2020/v31i1a7670.

This study analyses the determinants of the technical efficiency performance for Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) power utilities in the period 1998-2009, excluding South Africa's Eskom. The study formulated an explicit model for technical inefficiency by considering the vertical structure of the utilities and the definition of the product, considering the specific characteristics of this sample. It was found that the most significant improvement in the average efficiency of the sample occurred from 2000 to 2002, coinciding with the first SAPP Energy Plan of2001. Density in consumption, control of corruption and load factor also contributed to the different levels of efficiency. The results provided a new empirical evidence that can be useful for the design of energy policy and incentive regulation. HIGHLIGHTS: • Significant improvement in the average efficiency of SAPP firms • A bad specification could lead to incorrect energy policy implications • Density and load factor contribute to explain efficiency levels • Institutional aspects represent a promising line of study

Keywords : technical inefficiency; vertical structure; density in consumption; control of corruption; load factor.

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