Motivating cost reduction in regulated industries with rolling incentive schemes

A-Tier
Journal: Energy Economics
Year: 2025
Volume: 151
Issue: C

Authors (2)

Turner, Douglas C. (not in RePEc) Sappington, David E.M. (University of Florida)

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 examine whether an incremental rolling incentive scheme (IRIS) can enhance innovation under performance based regulation (PBR). Under an IRIS, the firm is awarded for a full PBR term the incremental profit generated by a cost reduction regardless of when the cost reduction is implemented. An IRIS enhances incentives for innovation toward the end of a PBR plan and also ensures immediate implementation of achieved cost reductions. However, an IRIS can reduce incentives for innovation early in a PBR plan. On balance, an IRIS often reduces innovation when the regulated firm has limited ability to delay the implementation of achieved cost reductions. More generally, an IRIS can enhance innovation.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:eneeco:v:151:y:2025:i:c:s0140988325007431
Journal Field
Energy
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29