LAUSR

Abstract Electricity is one of the primary consumer utilities, while its efficiency is always questionable. This study investigated institutional efficiency with reforms to enhance electricity performance in South and East Asian countries. For this purpose, the study used a panel data set of eight South and East Asian countries from 1995 to 2018. A two-stage least square and Bayesian Vector Autoregression (VAR) test was applied to estimate the results. According to the results, a fragile institutional framework is an essential factor that snubs the positive influence of any electricity reforms in the region. The findings also show that improvement in economic growth and the utilization of renewable energy rather than fossil fuels are significant factors that can improve institutional efficiency and ultimately highlight the positive role of electricity reforms. This study highlights possible reforms in electricity sectors, and institutional (direct or indirect) efficiency could be an essential factor in designing a policy framework to enhance the region’s electricity performance.