ECShiftGraph.Shock · Shift(s) · Result
← Course home

EC311 · Intermediate Microeconomics

EC311 / TOPIC 29

8.3 Two-part tariffs, bundling and peak loads

What distinct demand problems do two-part tariffs, bundling, and peak pricing solve?

Each instrument extracts surplus or allocates shared capacity differently, so match the model to the constraint.

Follow the cause and effect

  1. For a two-part tariff, set usage price near MC and capture CS with F.

  2. For bundling, compare valuations by item and in total.

  3. For peak load, identify periods when capacity binds.

The model you are using

KEY MODEL
Demand:p=20−q
MC=4
pusage=4
F=CS=½(20−4)×16=128

Conditions for this model

Identical consumers in the tariff example, no other fixed cost, and participation at nonnegative net utility.

The exam trap

Do not set F equal to the firm’s fixed cost automatically; participation willingness limits F.

Connect the reasoning to the graph

What changes

  • Demand and MC show the CS used for F; peak pricing overlays time-specific demands on shared capacity.

What stays fixed

Identical consumers in the tariff example, no other fixed cost, and participation at nonnegative net utility.

Keep these conditions throughout the comparison; change only what the case above specifies.

What to inspect

For peak load, identify periods when capacity binds.

Compare before and after, and locate the conclusion on the graph.

5 MINUTES · TRANSFER THE IDEA

Can you explain it without the lesson?

Create two customers whose opposing valuations make pure bundling raise revenue.

Lesson references

  • Pindyck & Rubinfeld, Microeconomics, 9th Global ed., pp. 426, 428, 434
29/43