In: Economics
How would the city need to change the price of coal generated electricity to achieve their goal?
What would be the resulting change in the demand of wind generated electricity?
(1)
When elasticity of demand is higher (lower) than 1, demand is elastic (inelastic). With elastic (inelastic) demand, an increase in price will decrease (increase) revenue, and a decrease (increase) in price will increase (decrease) revenue). Therefore,
When elasticity is 1.6, price should be decreased because demand is elastic.
When elasticity is 0.4, price should be increased because demand is inelastic.
(2)
(a)
Own price elasticity = % Change in number of people switching from coal-generated plant / % Change in price for coal-generated electricity
-0.8 = (-10%) / % Change in price for coal-generated electricity
% Change in price for coal-generated electricity = (-10%) / 0.8
% Change in price for coal-generated electricity = 12.5% (Increase)
(b)
Cross price elasticity = % Change in demand for wind-powered electricity / % Change in price for coal-generated electricity
0.675 = % Change in demand for wind-powered electricity / 12.5%
% Change in demand for wind-powered electricity = 0.675 x 12.5%
% Change in demand for wind-powered electricity = 8.4375% (Increase)