Economists argue that such market-based policy instruments as environmental taxes and emission trading systems are the best way to target the negative effects of pollution. Yet there is no agreement about whether the use of these instruments is sufficient, whether they are deployed efficiently,...

With the ratification of the Kyoto protocol and the installation of the European Emission Trading Scheme, the European Union’s governments showed a basic willingness to commit themselves to environmentally friendly policies. But today, the success of these commitments is questionable: all of...

Grid tariffs are the main source of income for distribution system operators (DSOs). Reductions of tariffs increase the cost pressure on DSOs; assuming they work efficiently, tariff reductions potentially lead to a decrease of the electricity system's quality if no reliability of supply criteria...