The evolution and main determinants of productivity in Brazilian electricity distribution 1998-2005: an empirical analysis

This paper estimates changes in the productivity of the Brazilian electricity distribution sector using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) on a panel of 18 firms from 1998-2005. The study decomposes the productivity change of these distribution firms in terms of technical efficiency; scale-efficiency and technical progress. This exercise aims to help the understanding of the main determinants of the evolution of productivity, focusing its relationship with the restructuring process implemented in the 1990s. TFP index records a yearly positive growth rate of 1.3% in the whole period under analysis for all firms. Technical change was the main component behind this evolution, with an average growth of 2.1% per year, while technical efficiency presented a yearly negative performance of -0.8%. The results prove that, in general terms; the incentives generated in the reform process do not seem to have led the firms to behave in a more efficient manner.