Abstract
Necessary conditions characterizing optimal nonlinear multiproduct tariffs are derived from aggregate data about customers' responses to linear tariffs. These conditions are amenable to numerical solution with standard software by using a discrete formulation of an associated nonlinear optimization problem cast in terms of the marginal prices charged for incremental bundles. This approach avoids integrability restrictions that otherwise encumber the computations. However, this method does not ensure that customers' second-order conditions for optimality of their demands are satisfied. Some numerical examples are provided, and the extension of the method to Ramsey pricing is also demonstrated.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baron, David P. 1989. “Design of Regulatory Mechanisms and Institutions.” In The Handbook of Industrial Organization, R. Schmalansee and R. Willig (eds.), Volume II, Chapter 24, 1347–1447. Amsterdam and New York: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. (North-Holland).
Baron, David P., and Roger B. Myerson. 1982. “Regulating a Monopolist with Unknown Costs,” Econometrica 50: 911–30.
Brown, Stephen J., and David S. Sibley. 1986. The Theory of Public Utility Pricing. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press.
Elsgolc, L. E. 1961. Calculus af Variations. London: Pergamon Press Ltd.
Goldman, M. Barry, Hayne E. Leland, and David S. Sibley. 1984. “Optimal Nonuniform Pricing.” Review of Economic Studies 51: 305–319.
Guesnerie, Roger, and Jean-Jacques Laffont. 1984. “A Complete Solution to a Class of Principal-Agent Problems with an Application to the Control of a Self-Managed Firm.” Journal of Public Economics 25: 329–69.
Guesnerie, Roger, and Jesus Seade. 1982. “Nonlinear Pricing in a Finite Economy.” Journal of Public Economics 17: 157–179.
Katz, Michael L. 1983. “Non-Uniform Pricing, Output and Welfare Under Monopoly.” Review of Economic Studies 50: 37–56.
Maskin, Eric, and John Riley. 1984. “Monopoly with Incomplete Information.” The RAND Journal of Economics 15: 171–196.
McAfee, Preston, and John McMillan. 1988. “Multidimensional Incentive Compatibility and Mechanism Design.” Journal of Economic Theory 46: 335–354.
Mirman, Leonard J., and David S. Sibley. 1980. “Optimal Nonlinear Prices for Multiproduct Monopolies.” The Bell Journal of Economics 11: 659–670.
Mirrlees, James A. 1971. “An Exploration in the Theory of Optimal Taxation.” Review of Economic Studies 38: 175–208.
Mirrlees, James A. 1976. “Optimal Tax Theory: A Synthesis.” Journal of Public Economics 6: 327–358.
Mirrlees, James A. 1986. “The Theory of Optimal Taxation”. K.J. Arrow and M.D. Intriligator, eds., Handbook of Mathematical Economics, Volume III, Chapter 24, pp. 1197–1249. Amsterdam and New York: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. (North-Holland).
Oren, Shmuel, Stephen Smith, and Robert Wilson. 1983. “Competitive Nonlinear Tariffs.” Journal of Economic Theory 29: 49–71.
Press, William, Brian Flannery, Saul Teukolsky, and William Vetterling. 1986. Numerical Recipes. Cambridge UK: Cambridge University Press.
Roberts, Kevin W.S. 1979. “Welfare Considerations of Nonlinear Pricing.” Economic Journal 89: 66–83.
Spence, A. Michael. 1976. “Nonlinear Prices and Welfare.” Journal of Public Economics 8: 1–18.
Spence, A. Michael. 1980. “Multi-Product Quantity-Dependent Prices and Profitability Constraints.” Review of Economic Studies 47: 821–841.
Wilson, Robert B. 1989. Nonlinear Pricing. Palo Alto CA: Electric Power Research Institute.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wilson, R. Multiproduct tariffs. J Regul Econ 3, 5–26 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00157608
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00157608