/ Publications / Managing the liberalization of Italy's retail electricity market : a policy proposal
Energy | Electricity | Working Paper
Managing the liberalization of Italy's retail electricity market : a policy proposal
05 September 2018
Authors: STAGNARO, Carlo; AMENTA, Carlo; DI CROCE, Giulia; LAVECCHIA, Luciano
Italy will phase electricity retail price regulation by July 1st, 2020. This is the last step in the process of electricity market liberalization, that started in 1999. Until then, residential customers and small businesses who do not choose their supplier, will be supplied under a transitional, regulated service named “maggior tutela” (greater protection), which is supplied by the local distributor at a price set by the regulator. This paper reviews the literature on electricity retail competition – with particular regard to its expected effects on prices, innovation and customer engagement – and the condition under which its benefits may be delivered. Then a Structure-Conduct-Performance analysis of Italy’s retail electricity market for residential customers is performed. Two issues are found to be potentially problematic: excessive market concentration and low customer engagement. Energy poverty is also identified as an issue to be addressed. A phase-out mechanism is finally proposed, that relies on graduality, asymmetric regulation and a mandatory, opt-out collective switching exercise. The mechanism aims to rapidly reducing market concentration by leveraging on behavioral incentives to customers still under regulated prices to switch to the cheapest supplier.
This article provides a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective on the European Union’s electricity market design (EMD) reform. In policy as well as in law, much of the literature on the EMD [...]
Interconnectors with third countries are currently outside the scope of the Electricity Directive and of the Electricity Regulation. Therefore, the provisions contained in these acts regarding third-party access and tariffs, [...]
The electrification of final energy uses is one of the key ingredients for any roadmap to a low-carbon energy system. In the EU, the European Commission has confirmed the relevance [...]
Join our community
To meet, discuss and learn in the channel that suits you best.
We use cookies to help personalise content and provide a better experience. By clicking Accept all, you agree to this, as outlined in our Cookie Policy. To change preferences or withdraw consent, please update your Cookie Preferences.