Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This paper examines the performance of panel data models in measuring cost-efficiency of electricity distribution utilities. Different cost frontier models are applied to a sample of 59 utilities operating in Switzerland from 1988 to 1996. The estimated coefficients and inefficiency scores are compared across different specifications. The results indicate that while the average inefficiency is not sensitive to the econometric specification, the efficiency ranking varies significantly across models. The reasonably low out-of-sample prediction errors suggest that panel data models can be used as a prediction instrument in order to narrow the information gap between the regulator and regulated companies.