1. Introduction -- 2. Electricity distribution networks and decentralisation paradigm -- 3. The evolving role of distribution networks: from network operator to system operator to platform provider -- 4. Regulated charges for access to and utilisation of networks -- 5. Improving efficiency:...

As infrastructures that connect the energy source with the energy use, energy networks constitute a crucial element of national and global energy systems. They also play a key role in helping with balancing supply and demand, thus ensuring that energy is not only available in the right places...

Joskow, P. and others propose that, with the opening of retail electricity markets, distribution utilities should be required to enable residential customers to buy at (averaged) wholesale spot market prices. They argue that retail electricity competitors should concentrate on value-added...

"Since the early 1990s, substantial resources and efforts have been spent on implementing market-oriented electricity reforms in developing countries. While there are important sectoral, economic, and social dimensions involved in electricity reform, empirical analysis and evaluation of reforms...

"Driven by ideology, economic reasoning, and early success stories, vast amounts of financial resources and effort have been spent on reforming infrastructure industries in developing countries. It is therefore important to examine whether evidence supports the logic of reforms. The authors...