Russian electricity sector reform: Challenges to retail competition

The Russian power sector reform initiated in 2001 endeavored to introduce competition into major segments of the Russian electricity market. This paper examines how far the reforms have advanced in the retail electricity market and discusses social, political and technological barriers to market liberalization. Market shares of retailers are used as the main indicator to assess competition. The results indicate that the retail market is currently divided into inactive and sub-active markets. Future development of retail competition in the Russian electricity market needs to take into account the reasons for this market asymmetry.

► We evaluate the degree of competition in electricity retail markets of Russia. ► Incumbent suppliers are still controlling 75–85% of total energy supplies. ► The social, political and technological barriers to retail competition are examined. ► The extensive regulation hinders development of competition in the retail sector.