CASE economists are experts in the economics and regulation of network industries. We have advised clients in the communications, media, energy, finance, transport and water sectors.
The proliferation of directives and national rules, together with differences in enforcement between countries, has turned the regulation of network industries into a complex and difficult area.
Moreover, these industries raise technical issues which challenge economics and law. Frequently, these cannot be settled by recourse to a settled body of literature, but must be analysed from first principles, drawing from new developments in economics, and sound empirical analysis.
The regulation of network industries also gives rise to cost and pricing issues which require financial skills deployed within an economic and legal framework, and fashioned to take account of their impact on investment, innovation, future competition and consumer welfare. This is a controversial exercise where views can differ radically on the appropriate resolution of the questions that arise.
CASE economists have worked extensively with regulated companies and regulators and bring this experience to bear in assisting regulatory teams and their legal counsel in drafting responses and submissions to the EU Commission and national regulatory authorities.
CASE economists have assisted many of Europe's largest network operators on a wide range of issues, responding to consultations, draft regulations, and policy proposals especially in EC and national consultations over proposed directives.
Recent regulatory and public policy assignments include:
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market analyses and Significant Market Power assessments under the EC New Regulatory Framework for communications |
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measures to mitigate market power in energy markets |
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development of wholesale trading arrangements in electricity and gas markets |
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assessment of wholesale and retail competition in energy and water markets |
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network unbundling in telecoms and energy sectors |
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establishment of independent system operators |
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assessment of cost allocation and cross-subsidy |
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establishing revenue requirement and price control methodology for network tariffs |
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analysis of media and cross-media ownership rules |
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regulated access terms in energy and telecoms networks |
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determination of regulated revenues for network operators |
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development and assessment of top-down and bottom-up LRIC cost models |
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appeals against national regulatory authority decisions |
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wholesale capacity release through auctions |
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administered contracts for differences and power purchase agreements |
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market analysis for broadband services |
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local loop unbundling (LLU) |
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cost benefit analysis of financial services regulations |
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assessment of net benefits of water regulation |
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line of business restrictions in video services |
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regulation of national roaming services |
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regulation of national and international leased lines |
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economic and financial impact of FM radio licensing |
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International benchmarking |
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Universal Service Obligations (USO) |
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