Using total factor productivity benchmarking in tariff regulation of network industries

Incentive regulation and benchmarking are becoming frequently used tools in tariff regulation of public utilities, including natural gas distribution companies. We present a review of existing approaches to economic regulation using benchmarking models, their advantages and disadvantages and discuss practical experience with these methods. The work also includes a comparison of the total factor produktivity (TFP) approach with frontier-based methods such as data envelopment analysis or corrected ordinary least squares and discussion of the differences, possible weaknesses and misinterpretation of results. Consequently, we analyze the development of total factor productivity of Czech natural gas distribution companies with other industries (water and sewerage, electricity distribution and transmission) using index analysis. The main outcome of the dissertation thesis is the discussion of the applicability of TFP benchmarking in the conditions of the Czech energy market, a synthesis of findings, discussion of associated issues, assumptions and recommendations for implementation of TFP benchmarking into the tariff regulation of Czech energy industries.