This paper examines the regulation of distribution system operators (DSOs) focused on the Czech electricity market. It presents an international benchmarking study based on data of 15 regional DSOs including two Czech operators. The study examines the application of yardstick methods using data...

There are great expectations in the UK for infrastructure and its role in delivering for customers and society, promoting efficiency and economic growth. These expectations are matched by an ambitious forward programme of investments in renewal and expansion of network capacity and quality...

This conference provides an opportunity to examine how regulators collaborate with each other in the UK and compare this with the experiences of our European neighbours. This paper discusses: • the relationship between competition and regulation, as well as the way regulators use their powers;...

Convergence is a multi-facetted phenomenon affecting the technological basis of information and communication industries, the boundaries of existing and new markets, and the organization of service providers. Convergence in substitutes will tend to increase the intensity of competition but...

The EU regulatory framework for e-communications was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in 2002, and became applicable from 2003. It has three primary objectives: (1) to promote competition; (2) to develop the single market; and (3) to promote citizens' rights. The European...

This paper addresses the question of what options are available to regulate the sector in the near future. In order to answer this question, the paper focuses on the problem of investment and innovation in an ex ante regulated sector. Relying on existing literature, we argue that ex ante...

Economic regulation and competition have a big role in helping to ensure investment is efficient, and to reconcile the interests of consumers and investors. In this context, regulatory coherence and stability – the theme of today’s conference - has rarely been so important. This paper...

We show that project evaluation should be based on free cash flows at nominal prices. We present a case where the results from the constant price method are biased upwards and there is a risk to accept bad projects. It is a widespread practice to evaluate projects at constant prices. With an...

In recent years, the European telecommunications market has witnessed major developments, with rapid expansion in access to telecommunications networks and a surge in the number of available services and applications. While many factors have contributed to the transformation of the...

We examine the motivations for forming regulatory agencies and the features that are critical for their success. Governments create independent regulatory agencies to address two fundamental problems in the control of public utilities, namely the dampening effect that politics has on investment...