Power trade, welfare, and air quality

A-Tier
Journal: Energy Economics
Year: 2017
Volume: 67
Issue: C
Pages: 423-438

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We use detailed microdata from all generators in the Ontario wholesale electricity market to investigate cross-border electricity trade and its impact on air emissions and welfare (consumer and producer surpluses) in Ontario. Using the technical characteristics of the generators and financial data we run a competition model every hour. We examine how trade expansion across different parts of the interconnected power grid affects the efficiency in the Ontario market. We show that there is a significant welfare gain from power trade. The air emissions savings are also considerable. For instance, when hourly imports double from current levels CO2 emissions decrease around 13%, and market prices reduce 5.4%. In autarky, CO2, SO2, NOx emissions increase 12%, 22%, 16%, resp., the prices go up 5.8%, and the price volatility rises 12%. However, the impact of negative wholesale prices on market outcomes is small.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:eneeco:v:67:y:2017:i:c:p:423-438
Journal Field
Energy
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24