XXI Congreso de la Asociación Española para la Economía Energética, Pamplona (España). 27-29 mayo 2026
Resumen:
System service costs in Spain have increased by more than 400% since 2020, reaching 16.5% of wholesale market value in 2024. These costs are recovered through a uniform volumetric charge on demand, despite being largely non-marginal or location-specific. This paper assesses the efficiency implications of this allocation mechanism and quantifies associated welfare losses using empirical aggregate supply and demand curves from the Spanish day-ahead market. Results show growing distortions, although small in size relative to wholesale market volumes. However, the distortion is expected to grow, particularly as demand elasticity increases. The paper concludes that volumetric recovery is no longer fit for purpose and proposes alternative mechanisms based on network tariffs and imbalance-linked allocation.
Resumen divulgativo:
En España, los costes de los servicios del sistema han subido más del 400% desde 2020 y suponen ya el 16,5% del mercado mayorista en 2024. Cobrarlos uniformemente por kWh distorsiona el mercado y empeorará con la flexibilidad. Tarifas de red y cargos por desvíos serían más justos y eficientes.
Palabras clave: Electricity markets; System services; Cost allocation; Welfare loss; Market design
Fecha de publicación: 27-may-2026
Cita:
P. Avello Gorostidi, J.P. Chaves, "Electricity System Service Costs on the Rise: Is Spain’s Cost Allocation Mechanism Still Fit for Purpose?", presentado en XXI Congreso de la Asociación Española para la Economía Energética, Pamplona, España, 27-29 mayo 2026
IIT-26-128C
