A Quarter Century Effort Yet to Come of Age: A Survey of Power Sector Reforms in Developing Countries

57 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Tooraj Jamasb

Tooraj Jamasb

Durham Business School

Rabindra Nepal

University of Queensland - School of Economics

Govinda R. Timilsina

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Date Written: June 23, 2015

Abstract

It has been more than two decades since the widespread initiation of global power sector reforms and restructuring. However, empirical evidence on the intended microeconomic, macroeconomic, and quality-related impacts of reforms across developing countries is lacking. This paper comprehensively reviews the empirical and theoretical literature on the linkages between power sector reforms, economic and technical efficiency, and poverty reduction. The review finds that the extent of power sector reforms has varied across developing countries in terms of changes in market structures, the role of the state, and the regulation of the sector. Overall, the reforms have improved the efficiency and productivity in the sector among many reforming countries. However, the efficiency gains have not always reached the end consumers because of the inability of sector regulators and inadequate regulatory frameworks. Reforms alleviate poverty and promote the welfare of the poor only when the poor have access to electricity. From a policy-making perspective, this implies that the reforms need to be supplemented with additional measures for accelerating electrification to help the poor.

Keywords: Access of Poor to Social Services, Legal Products, Legal Reform, Regulatory Regimes, Disability, Competitiveness and Competition Policy, Energy Policies & Economics, Social Policy, Industrial Management, Economic Assistance, Services & Transfers to Poor, Judicial System Reform, Legislation, Competition Policy

Suggested Citation

Jamasb, Tooraj and Nepal, Rabindra and Timilsina, Govinda R., A Quarter Century Effort Yet to Come of Age: A Survey of Power Sector Reforms in Developing Countries (June 23, 2015). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 7330, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2622316

Tooraj Jamasb

Durham Business School ( email )

Mill Hill Lane
Durham, Durham DH1 3LB
United Kingdom

Rabindra Nepal

University of Queensland - School of Economics ( email )

Brisbane, QLD 4072
Australia

Govinda R. Timilsina (Contact Author)

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H Street NW
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States

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