Residential water demand under block rates: a Portuguese case study

Rita Martins and Adelino Fortunato

No 2005-09, GEMF Working Papers from GEMF, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra

Abstract: A residential water demand equation is estimated using a panel data sample of 5 Portuguese local communities and 72 months, corresponding to a total number of 360 observations. Because of the presence of multi-part tariffs, we use as explanatory variables the two common price-related variables: marginal price and difference. To prevent the simultaneity bias from using observed quantities to determine the values of marginal price and difference directly from the rate schedule, we use an instrumental variable approach to create a constant marginal price and difference parameters for each rate structure. The price elasticity value obtained fall within the range of those found in other case studies. Thus, although presenting weak elasticity, price seems to play a role in water demand management. However, we do not confirm the expected influence of difference on residential water demand. This can be a consequence of the complexity of the Portuguese water tariffs and the confusing signs that come from the simultaneous use of fixed quotas and increasing block tariffs. So, it is imperative to clarify water tariffs objectives by reviewing the Portuguese water tariffs design processes.

Keywords: demand; water utilities; pricing policy. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L95 Q25 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 25 pages
Date: 2005
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

Published in Water Policy 9(2): 217-230, 2007.

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gmf:wpaper:2005-09

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