The three graphs below illustrate the market for electricity. The distribution of electricity is a natural monopoly; therefore, to take advantage of lower production costs, it is efficient to have only one firm in the market. Unfortunately, if a monopoly were allowed to provide electricity, it would charge a higher price and provide a smaller amount of electricity than would be desirable. In other words, the unregulated monopoly would charge the monopoly's profit-maximizing price. To avoid this, the government will allow a single firm to provide electricity, but the government will regulate the price. Let’s compare possible regulatory solutions.
The three graphs below illustrate the market for electricity. The distribution of electricity is a natural monopoly; therefore, to take advantage of lower production costs, it is efficient to have only one firm in the market. Unfortunately, if a monopoly were allowed to provide electricity, it would charge a higher price and provide a smaller amount of electricity than would be desirable. In other words, the unregulated monopoly would charge the monopoly's profit-maximizing price. To avoid this, the government will allow a single firm to provide electricity, but the government will regulate the price. Let’s compare possible regulatory solutions.
Chapter28: Antitrust And Regulation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 8E
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The three graphs below illustrate the market for electricity. The distribution of electricity is a natural monopoly ; therefore, to take advantage of lower production costs, it is efficient to have only one firm in the market. Unfortunately, if a monopoly were allowed to provide electricity, it would charge a higher price and provide a smaller amount of electricity than would be desirable. In other words, the unregulated monopoly would charge the monopoly's profit-maximizing price. To avoid this, the government will allow a single firm to provide electricity, but the government will regulate the price. Let’s compare possible regulatory solutions.
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