Optimal Nonlinear Pricing and Contingent Contracts

Abstract: Nonlinear pricing is extended to allow for demand, cost, and capacity uncertainty. Incentive schedules are developed that implement the Pareto optimal allocation. Consumers choose a reference point, e.g., baseload demand. This determines both their payment level and the state-contingent output allocation. The approximate efficiency of alternative implementation procedures with discrete customer classes and with a linear prorated service rule is also examined. Copyright 1992 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.