The Integration of the Spanish Electricity System: Volta’s Business Model (1910-1960)

Authors

  • Josean Garrues Irurzun Universidad de Granada
  • Antonio Hidalgo Mateos Universidad de Extremadura

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33231/j.ihe.2024.07.001

Keywords:

Electricity History, Market integration, Industrial organization, Corporate strategy, N73, N74, L94, L22

Abstract

Research on the Spanish electrical sector provides a fairly precise understanding of the evolution of its main macroeconomic indicators, as well as the behavior of its companies. However, the success of universal companies and the belief that the theory of natural monopoly applied to all phases of the business (production, distribution, and marketing) until the end of the 20th century, has led to a lack of precise knowledge about the functioning and transformation of traditional electrical systems into integrated ones. Therefore, the objective of this communication is twofold. First, to shed light on the role played by companies involved in regional integration processes. Second, and particularly, to highlight the entrepreneurial function of distribution/marketing companies. To achieve this, we analyze one of the largest Spanish distribution companies between 1910 and 1960, understanding that this case study represents a model followed, with nuances specific to their economic and business contexts, by many other Spanish and international electric companies.

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Published

2024-10-04 — Updated on 2025-03-14

How to Cite

Garrues Irurzun, J., & Hidalgo Mateos, A. (2025). The Integration of the Spanish Electricity System: Volta’s Business Model (1910-1960). Investigaciones De Historia Económica, 20(3), 57–70. https://doi.org/10.33231/j.ihe.2024.07.001

Issue

Section

ARTICLES

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