Asymmetric pricing in the electricity sector : evidence from the greek market

Master Thesis
Συγγραφέας
Giannikopoulos, Grigorios
Γιαννικόπουλος, Γρηγόριος
Ημερομηνία
2025-10Επιβλέπων
Polemis, MichaelΠολέμης, Μιχαήλ
Προβολή/ Άνοιγμα
Λέξεις κλειδιά
Asymmetry ; Electricity ; Asymmetric price transmission ; Rockets and feathers ; Electricity pricing ; Energy economics ; Wholesale electricity tradingΠερίληψη
This thesis investigates the existence of asymmetry in the Greek wholesale electricity market for the year 2024. Its aim is essentially to critically review the Target Model and the Greek energy trading system’s effectiveness and transparency.
Asymmetry (or asymmetric price transmission or “rockets and feathers”) occurs when prices don’t fluctuate symmetrically; most commonly, when prices don’t fall as fast as their relative input costs. In the volatile energy sector of today, this has led to soaring energy prices, which cannot be attributed solely to inflation and regulations.
The study firstly analyzes the complex legal framework of the Greek market as well as its current situation. It examines how the legal developments have formed a more competitive and transparent trading system and how the different market participants may affect the pricing of electricity. Afterwards, a theoretical review of the phenomenon takes place, which provides the historical and economic context that frames the subject in question.
The econometric analysis constitutes the practical part of this thesis. The results show that there are signs of asymmetry in regards to the speed of downward adjustments after a price increase. This can be attributed to the profit-maximizing bidding strategies of the electricity producers within the current trading system, as well as exogenous operational intricacies. To combat this phenomenon, there are a lot of measures to be taken, some of which have already been included in European and national policy plans.


