Utilities Policy最新文献

{"title":"Sewage waste management in Brazil: A sustainable development perspective","authors":"Camila da Silva Serra Comineti ,&nbsp;Madalena Maria Schlindwein ,&nbsp;Paulo Henrique de Oliveira Hoeckel ,&nbsp;Tiago Henrique de Abreu Mateus ,&nbsp;Nadya Kalache","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Achieving universal access to safe sanitation is a challenge that requires the integration of public policies, investment, technology, and efficient sewage waste treatment. This study examines sewage waste management in Brazil from a sustainable development perspective, assessing the availability of resources, actions, treatment types, disposal methods, treatment efficiency, and potential reuse opportunities. Historical data from 5570 Brazilian municipalities were compiled from key national sanitation databases. The analysis combines descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and qualitative assessments of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 targets. The findings reveal that Brazilian sewage programs primarily emphasize population coverage while neglecting technical and qualitative aspects of sewage treatment. Water potability remains below SDG target 6.1, and if current investment patterns persist, Brazil will not meet target 6.2 by 2030, leaving only 42 % of the population with access to sewage services. Analysis of target 6.a highlights issues with insufficient local policies and limited financial investment. The development of the Sewage Treatment Index (STI) enabled a comprehensive assessment of treatment efficiency across all 5570 municipalities, highlighting areas for improvement and opportunities for sustainable practices. The results showed that only 33 % of municipalities met satisfactory sewage treatment efficiency (target 6.3). Although still in its early stages, incipient efforts toward sustainable sewage management are emerging through the regulated reuse of sewage waste in 1 % of municipalities, offering promising environmental, social, and economic potential benefits. However, the lack of regular census and sanitation survey data hinders transparent monitoring of progress toward SDG goals and national requirements. These findings raise questions about the accuracy of SDG 6 monitoring globally, suggesting that other countries may also be further from achieving the targets than current reports suggest.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102070"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Standards-based enterprise architecture for Iran's distribution system operators: A comparative assessment","authors":"Shakiba Sadeghi,&nbsp;Mahyar Gholizadeh,&nbsp;Mohammad Pourheydari,&nbsp;Ashkan Hojjati,&nbsp;Fatemeh Goltapeh,&nbsp;Saeed Moharrami Shahbekandi","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102069","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102069","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interfacing with digital transformation and smart grid requirements necessitates a standardized Enterprise Architecture (EA) in Distribution System Operators (DSOs). Based on a review of process models from 39 Iranian DSOs, this study examines two frameworks: the general-domain American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) and the domain-specific IEC 61968–1:2020, to assess their adaptation across the business, information, software, and technology layers of EA. The findings show that while APQC provides the classification of business processes, it does not model data flows, software systems, and technologies, thus requiring extensive customization for adaptation in DSOs. In contrast, IEC, which presents a software architecture for DSOs, offers a precise model for the flow of data and tasks, facilitating minimal customization for implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102069"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Energy citizenship in northern Ghana: drivers of community engagement in the sustainable energy transitions","authors":"Albert Kotawoke Awopone ,&nbsp;Abdul-Latif Ayariga Amidu ,&nbsp;Sarpong Hammond Antwi ,&nbsp;Patrick Nyaaba Ayambire ,&nbsp;Isaac Prempeh","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the drivers of community engagement in sustainable energy transitions in Northern Ghana, with a focus on the concept of energy citizenship. Through a survey of 678 residents across selected rural communities, the study examines how awareness, motivation, and perceived benefits influence active participation in renewable energy initiatives, employing the Structural Equation Modeling approach. Key constructs were validated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and the relationships were tested using path analysis. Results indicate that community members are motivated by affordability, local economic benefits, and a sense of ownership over energy systems. However, policy awareness showed limited influence on engagement, and infrastructural gaps persist. The study recommends enhanced local engagement strategies and targeted education campaigns to strengthen energy citizenship and promote inclusive energy governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102067"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of relaxing South Korea's increasing-block electricity pricing structure on residential consumers","authors":"Soim Lee ,&nbsp;Jong Ho Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>During the extreme heatwaves of 2016, the South Korean government temporarily modified the increasing-block rate (IBR) pricing structure by expanding the usage thresholds for each pricing tier to reduce the burden of electricity bills. This study examines the effects of this adjustment on residential electricity consumption. Using a quasi-experimental approach with household survey data, the analysis reveals that households increase their electricity consumption after receiving bills with reduced charges, undermining the energy conservation goals of the original IBR structure. Specifically, middle-income households show a statistically significant increase in electricity usage, whereas the other groups exhibit negligible changes. The summer IBR relaxation primarily benefits middle-income households, leaving low-income households largely unaffected in terms of affordability. These findings highlight the policy challenges of trying to target and protect vulnerable households during periods of extreme heat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102066"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Simulation-based policy analysis to mitigate Colombia's coal dependency for electricity generation","authors":"Juan Felipe Parra-Rodas ,&nbsp;Yris Olaya ,&nbsp;Erik R. Larsen ,&nbsp;Santiago Arango-Aramburo","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Colombia's Just Energy Transition faces significant hurdles, including renewable energy deployment delays, social conflicts, economic constraints, and escalating electricity demand. During periods of low hydropower availability, coal remains a critical energy source, complicating efforts to phase it out. This study employs a system dynamics model to evaluate three distinct policies—phased coal reduction, complete phase-out, and a higher emissions tax—and their effectiveness under various future scenarios. Our results reveal that external factors such as fuel prices, demand shifts, and hydrological conditions significantly influence the feasibility of these policies. While a gradual transition may not drastically alter the long-term trajectory, it can effectively curb future coal dependence. The findings underscore that effective planning is crucial for mitigating potential price spikes and adverse social impacts. This research offers policymakers actionable strategies to navigate Colombia's complex energy transition towards a secure, sustainable, and affordable electricity generation mix.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102071"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New energy-rich or still energy-poor? Evidence from selected African countries","authors":"Nurcan Kilinc-Ata ,&nbsp;Liliana Proskuryakova","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional bioenergy, used in many African nations, is not recognized as a renewable or sustainable energy source. Some countries on the continent are officially leading the way in achieving SDG7, thanks to this type of energy. As of 2020, some African nations had a relatively high proportion of renewable energy (RE) in their primary energy supply, contributing to their enhanced energy self-sufficiency. In this study, 15 low- and lower-middle-income African countries are selected, and the elements that statistically significantly affect high shares of RE supply from 2000 to 2022 are scrutinized. For this purpose, second-generation panel data methods, CS-ARDL, are used to assess the effects of sustainability, economic growth, and energy equity indicators on the share of renewables in primary energy supply. The study shows that in the short term, RE supply is significantly but adversely affected by the total primary energy use. Energy intensity and access to renewable fuels contribute to an increased supply of RE. Moreover, RE supply experiences a strong and favourable influence from both economic expansion and lower interest rates. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on renewable-based energy systems in African countries by underlining the impact of interest rates and other factors that influence RE share in the entire primary energy supply, going beyond the power sector. The findings could serve as an evidence base for decision-makers in drafting evidence-based investment, sustainable development, and development assistance strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102068"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Governmental response to public complaints about solid waste sorting in China: Evidence from quasi-natural experiments","authors":"Li Lanlan ,&nbsp;He Minzheng ,&nbsp;Yang Ranran ,&nbsp;Luo Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mandatory Domestic Waste Classification (MDWC) is an effective strategy for alleviating the urban waste crisis. This paper integrates public online petition text data and urban panel data, employing the synthetic control method to evaluate the impact of MDWC policy on government response to Public Complaints about Solid Waste Sorting (PCSWS) from the perspective of policy pressure. By analyzing data from the Mayor's Message Boards of 11 Chinese cities between 2015 and 2022, the research results indicate that the MDWC policy significantly improved both the speed and quality of government responses to PCSWS. However, the sustainability of these effects has diminished over time. Assessing the impact of the MDWC policy on government responses to PCSWS not only enhances government responsiveness but also promotes positive interaction between the government and the public. Furthermore, enhancing governmental environmental regulation and governance capacity can play a positive role. Therefore, the government should maintain policy oversight following the policy implementation by continuously mobilizing various resources and regulatory measures to ensure policy sustainability and stability. This paper provides an empirical basis for improving the long-term regulatory mechanism of public waste sorting. It holds a significant reference value for promoting the scientific evaluation of government response capabilities in urban environmental governance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102063"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subsidizing solar energy in Indonesia: Evaluating the fossil fuel depletion premium as a revenue-neutral policy tool","authors":"Simon Poltak Hamonangan Hutabarat","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amid Indonesia's push to expand renewable energy, this study evaluates the long-term impact of the depletion premium—a revenue-neutral policy that reallocates 25 % of fossil fuel tax revenue to support solar photovoltaic (PV) development—using 15 years of national data. An optimization model, calibrated with World Bank (2017) parameters, compares two strategies: raising subsidies and improving PV efficiency. Results indicate that a 5 % subsidy increase enhances capital efficiency and solar generation but dampens new investment. By contrast, a 5 % improvement in PV efficiency delivers greater overall economic returns. The findings suggest that combining targeted early subsidies with efficiency improvements can accelerate solar expansion, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and advance Indonesia's renewable energy goals while maintaining fiscal sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102064"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retail electricity markets in Europe: Taking stock, looking ahead","authors":"Christophe Defeuilley","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The potential benefits of retail electricity market liberalization have been the subject of intense debate. Taking stock of both the academic work and the current state of retail markets in Europe, this article seeks to assess whether opening competition has led to an increase in consumer welfare. We conclude that the benefits of retail competition remain unclear and controversial while the costs are substantial. In light of these findings and given the growing importance of decarbonization and inequality issues, policy-driven changes should be considered to build stable regulatory frameworks that prioritize consumer protection over unfettered competition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102065"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of ESG performance on the cost of capital in the energy, utilities, and basic materials sectors","authors":"Sindre Wilberg ,&nbsp;Vibeke Kjellevoll ,&nbsp;Franziska Holz ,&nbsp;Anne Neumann","doi":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jup.2025.102016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper explores the presence of an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) premium for firms operating in the energy, utilities, and basic materials sectors. Specifically, we examine the influence of ESG performance on firms’ cost of capital in both debt and equity markets. We apply a measure of the ex ante implied cost of equity and the cost of debt to a global sample of over 24,000 firm-year observations spanning the period from 2010 to 2021. We also investigate the financial impact of each component of the aggregated ESG score. We employ a pooled ordinary least squares with robust standard errors, controlling for firm-specific and macroeconomic factors.</div><div>Contrary to the prevailing view in recent literature, our results indicate no evidence supporting an ESG premium for energy, utilities, and basic materials firms. However, we find an inverse relationship between environmental performance and the cost of capital. This finding supports the existence of a “green premium,” which can be attributed to green investor preferences and sustainable operations, reducing regulatory and other environmental risks. In contrast, the social score is positively related to the cost of debt, suggesting that lenders view investments in social efforts as risk-enhancing or a waste of resources. We argue that the aggregated ESG score is too broad, but its components adequately capture investors’ risk-return preferences. Firms can benefit from reduced financing costs by improving their environmental efforts, although social investments may result in higher borrowing costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23554,"journal":{"name":"Utilities Policy","volume":"97 ","pages":"Article 102016"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145221430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}