Competition in European electricity markets: A cross-country comparison

Book abstract:

The question of European electricity markets is complex and unclear, despite being high on the European Union's (EU) agenda. This book deals, in particular, with the various electricity reforms implemented in both the ten EU states and Norway and Switzerland, including the strategic behaviour of, and the adaptations made by, electrical companies, offering both a comparison and an explanation of the many differences and problems involved. In doing so, it examines ways of introducing a more competitive atmosphere into the industry.

After its introduction, which argues against the promotion of any 'single way' or 'single market' in the development of competitive electricity markets in Europe, the work is divided into three parts, each containing several papers from different contributors. Part one, on the British and Scandinavian 'pioneers', deals, for example, with questions of efficiency and equity over electricity in England and Wales, reform, strategic pricing, deregulation in Norway and Sweden, and the transition of the Nordic public ownership of electricity to a more market-based economy. Part two, on the development of electricity markets, looks at competition and market power in Northern Europe, innovative corporate strategies in Germany, the case of Austria and its promulgation of the new EU directive for electricity, and the transition of Switzerland to competition. In part three, on southern Europe, there is work on the advancing market-based electrical supply in France, restructuring in Belgium, reforms in Italy, and the move towards a common market in the Iberian peninsular.

The book is aimed at academics, post-graduate students, and anyone with an interest in the field.