(15 marks) Public utilities, like local electricity providers, are likely natural monopolies. They are typically regulated by the government with a rate-of-return regulation. Explain why public utilities like local electricity providers are natural monopolies. Explain the economic rationale behind the rate-of-return regulation on a natural monopoly. Given your above arguments, discuss whether the government should regulate firms other than a natural monopoly with this method.

Principles of Economics 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172364
Author:Steven A. Greenlaw; David Shapiro
Publisher:Steven A. Greenlaw; David Shapiro
Chapter9: Monopoly
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(15 marks) Public utilities, like local electricity providers,
are likely natural monopolies. They are typically
regulated by the government with a rate-of-return
regulation.
Explain why
public utilities like local electricity providers are natural
monopolies. Explain the economic rationale behind the
rate-of-return regulation on a natural monopoly. Given
your above arguments, discuss whether the
government should regulate firms other than a natural
monopoly with this method.
Transcribed Image Text:(15 marks) Public utilities, like local electricity providers, are likely natural monopolies. They are typically regulated by the government with a rate-of-return regulation. Explain why public utilities like local electricity providers are natural monopolies. Explain the economic rationale behind the rate-of-return regulation on a natural monopoly. Given your above arguments, discuss whether the government should regulate firms other than a natural monopoly with this method.
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