Regulatory effects on the market penetration and capacity of reliability differentiated service

This paper investigates the effects of alternative forms of regulation on the market penetration and capacity that are determined by a profit-maximizing monopolist providing reliability differentiated service to consumers. Both price cap and rate of return regulation lead to larger capacity and market penetration than in the absence of regulation. These forms of regulation also lead to larger consumer surplus than in the absence of regulation. A minimum reliability standard reduces market penetration, and this reduction may lead to a decrease in consumer surplus.