Privatization, Restructuring, and Regulation of Network Utilities (Walras-Pareto Lectures)

By David M. Newbery

Book Overview

Network utilities, such as electricity, telephones and gas, are public utilities that require a fixed network to deliver their services. Because consumers have no choice of network, they risk exploitation by network owners. Once invested, however, a network's capital is sunk, and the bargaining advantage shifts from investor to consumer. The investor, fearing expropriation, may be reluctant to invest. The tension between consumer and investor can be side-stepped by state ownership. Alternatively, private ownership and consumers' political power can be reconciled through regulation. Either way, network utilities operate under terms set by the state.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262140683
• ISBN13: 9780262140683
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Mit Pr
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.3"