2. Consider a local utility company (Xcel Energy). a. In what ways is this company a natural monopoly? MR=MC b. Consider the cost structure and market demand for the Xcel Energy. Assume: I, there are high fixed costs of starting an energy company 2. the marginal cost per service sold is constant and fairly low 3. each consumer pays the same price for service-there are no differentiating package deals. Given the assumptions above, draw the cost structure (MC and ATC), demand and marginal revenue. c. State the profit maximization rule to determine the optimal quantity of output (electricity service) a monopolist will choose.

Principles of Economics, 7th Edition (MindTap Course List)
7th Edition
ISBN:9781285165875
Author:N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:N. Gregory Mankiw
Chapter15: Monopoly
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7PA
icon
Related questions
Question

Economic

2. Consider a local utility company (Xcel Energy).
In what ways is this company a natural monopoly?
a.
MR=MC
b. Consider the cost structure and market demand for the Xcel Energy. Assume:
1. there are high fixed costs of starting an energy company
2. the marginal cost per service sold is constant and fairly low
3. each consumer pays the same price for service - there are no differentiating package deals.
Given the assumptions above, draw the cost structure (MC and ATC), demand and marginal revenue.
V
c. State the profit maximization rule to determine the optimal quantity of output (electricity service) a
monopolist will choose.
d. Use the rule in part (c) to find and label the
1. profit maximizing quantity:
2. price the firm will set:
3. the average total cost:
c. Use the graph to show the welfare effects of this behavior. That is, what is
1. CS:
2. Economic profit (equation):
3. DWL:
f. Think about being a changemaker for the common good. What might public policy be towards Xcel
Energy?
Transcribed Image Text:2. Consider a local utility company (Xcel Energy). In what ways is this company a natural monopoly? a. MR=MC b. Consider the cost structure and market demand for the Xcel Energy. Assume: 1. there are high fixed costs of starting an energy company 2. the marginal cost per service sold is constant and fairly low 3. each consumer pays the same price for service - there are no differentiating package deals. Given the assumptions above, draw the cost structure (MC and ATC), demand and marginal revenue. V c. State the profit maximization rule to determine the optimal quantity of output (electricity service) a monopolist will choose. d. Use the rule in part (c) to find and label the 1. profit maximizing quantity: 2. price the firm will set: 3. the average total cost: c. Use the graph to show the welfare effects of this behavior. That is, what is 1. CS: 2. Economic profit (equation): 3. DWL: f. Think about being a changemaker for the common good. What might public policy be towards Xcel Energy?
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 5 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Monopoly
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles of Economics, 7th Edition (MindTap Cou…
Principles of Economics, 7th Edition (MindTap Cou…
Economics
ISBN:
9781285165875
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Principles of Microeconomics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Microeconomics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305971493
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Essentials of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Essentials of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781337091992
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Exploring Economics
Exploring Economics
Economics
ISBN:
9781544336329
Author:
Robert L. Sexton
Publisher:
SAGE Publications, Inc
Microeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Economics
ISBN:
9781337517942
Author:
NICHOLSON
Publisher:
Cengage