Author Question: Explain the difference between price cap regulation in a natural monopoly and the effect of a price ... (Read 143 times)

fagboi

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 535
Explain the difference between price cap regulation in a natural monopoly and the effect of a price ceiling in a competitive market.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What incentive does price cap regulation attempt to give the firm? How does it give the firm this incentive?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



dudman123

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 304
Answer to Question 1

In regulating a natural monopoly, a price cap regulation is a price ceiling in which a rule specifies the highest price that the firm is allowed to charge. A price cap lowers the price and increases output. This type of regulation gives a firm an incentive to operate efficiently and to keep its costs under control. In a competitive market, a price ceiling establishes the highest price that all firms in the market are allowed to charge. But the major issue is that in a competitive market, the competitive equilibrium already is efficient. And, to be effective, the price ceiling needs to be below the market equilibrium price. A shortage of the good occurs because firms are willing to supply less output than they would produce in the absence of the price ceiling. As a result, inefficiency is created.

Answer to Question 2

Price cap regulation is intended to motivate the firm to operate efficiently and keep its costs under control. It does so setting the maximum price the company can charge and then allowing the firm to keep part (or perhaps all) of any economic profit it can make if it cuts its costs.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

In the United States, there is a birth every 8 seconds, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Population Clock.

Did you know?

Normal urine is sterile. It contains fluids, salts, and waste products. It is free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Did you know?

Though the United States has largely rejected the metric system, it is used for currency, as in 100 pennies = 1 dollar. Previously, the British currency system was used, with measurements such as 12 pence to the shilling, and 20 shillings to the pound.

Did you know?

Complications of influenza include: bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, or diabetes.

Did you know?

Amphetamine poisoning can cause intravascular coagulation, circulatory collapse, rhabdomyolysis, ischemic colitis, acute psychosis, hyperthermia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pericarditis.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library