The design of the tenders for natural gas distribution in Italy : how much are territorial districts really contestable?

This article is aimed at checking the degree of contestability of the tenders to allocate the right to deliver the natural gas distribution service in Italy. This check is based on the analysis of the general rules provided by the D.M. 12 novembre 2011, n. 226 and subsequent modification. The degree of contestability is evaluated by estimating the presumable number of 'noncaptive' points (out of 100) related to the different criteria. For this purpose, two representative scenarios of the possible calls for tenders are simulated. The paper concludes that this number is relatively limited. Around 15% only (or just above) of the total score would be really "non-captive". [Publisher's text].