Methods and trends of performance benchmarking in UK utility regulation

Dassler, Thoralf; Parker, David; Saal, David S.

doi:10.1016/j.jup.2006.04.001

Cited by 34 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Similar regulations are currently occurring in the UK as well as other nations (Smith and Street, 2005). Benchmarking and efficiency analysis are routinely performed in water utilities, electricity and natural gas, rail transportation and postal services (Thanassoulis, 2000a,b; Cubbin, 2005; Dassler et al. , 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

When, Where and How to Perform Efficiency Estimation

Badunenko

Henderson

Kumbhakar

2012

Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society

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In this paper we compare two flexible estimators of technical efficiency in a crosssectional setting: the nonparametric kernel SFA estimator of Fan, Li and Weersink (1996) to the nonparametric bias corrected DEA estimator of Kneip, Simar and Wilson (2008). We assess the finite sample performance of each estimator via Monte Carlo simulations and empirical examples. We find that the reliability of efficiency scores critically hinges upon the ratio of the variation in efficiency to the variation in noise. These results should be a valuable resource to both academic researchers and practitioners.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

When, Where and How to Perform Efficiency Estimation

Badunenko

Henderson

Kumbhakar

2012

Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A: Statistics in Society

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“…In order to benchmark, suitable data must be available. This requirement is by no means uncomplicated (Dassler et al, 2006), and using accounting data in benchmarking can be especially troublesome (cf. Tagesson, 2007, p. 259).…”

Section: Benchmarking: Management or Regulatory Instrument?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Collaborative benchmarking in the Danish district-heating sector

Bukh

Dietrichson

2016

International Journal of Public Sector Management

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is threefold: to investigate why and how companies in voluntary networks engage in performance benchmarking; how requirements for a standardised chart of accounts are handled; and what the role of regulatory pressure is. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is based on a longitudinal case study of an established group of six district-heating companies. The data sources are semi-structured interviews, observations and documents. Findings -Both the forthcoming re-regulation of the district-heating sector and aims to improve efficiency were motivating the collaboration among the firms. An interpretation of common accounting rules can be negotiated in a collaborative network. The benchmarking model was embedded in routines internally in firms to facilitate learning and knowledge exchange, but it was also used to legitimise current operations.

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“…For instance, countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, the UK and Denmark have introduced competition to the water sector, in order to enhance efficiency and quality (Dassler et al, 2006;De Witte and Saal, 2010;Marques, 2006). However, the new MTI has definitely eased this process towards efficiency improvement.…”

Section: Operating Costs (Opex)mentioning

confidence: 99%