A recent heat wave in the Southern United States has significantly increased demand for electricity by consumers. At the same time, utilities providers have experienced higher costs associated with the production of electricity because of inefficient and obsolete methods of production. Which of the following statements is most likely accurate?
A) |
According to the theory of contestable markets, regulators will allow new entrants into the industry to provide additional capacity. | |
B) |
According to the premise of social regulation, utilities regulators will not allow any cost increases to be passed to the consumer because electricity is considered to be a basic necessity of life and must remain affordable. | |
C) |
According to the share-the-pains, share-the-gains theory, utilities regulators will allow the providers to pass some of the increased costs to consumers over the next two years. | |
Under the share-the-gains, share-the-pains theory, regulators cater to three separate groups: industry participants, legislators, and consumers. Therefore, regulators will have utility providers and consumers each absorb some of the price increase. |