Do political links influence water prices? Determinants of water prices in Germany

Michael Hellwig and Andreas Polk

Utilities Policy, 2021, vol. 70, issue C

Abstract: We explain water prices in Germany by analyzing demand and cost drivers, governance structures and political links to local politicians. First, we find evidence for economies of scope between supply and wastewater treatment. Soil rigidity significantly influences water prices, and prices tend to be higher in municipalities with declining populations. Second, we analyze governance structures and political links between local mayors and water utilities. We find weak indication that these factors influence prices. The existence of multiple political interests in the governance bodies overseeing water utilities tends to coincide with higher prices. As most of our governance and many of our political factors lack statistical significance, we conclude that it is mainly cost and demand factors that determine prices, and political links play a minor role.

Keywords: Water prices; Cost factors; Governance; Political administration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D22 D42 H42 K23 L95 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:juipol:v:70:y:2021:i:c:s0957178721000187

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2021.101184

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