Regulating infrastructure

by Jos A. Go̐mez-Ib ñez

"This book addresses one of these questions: how can government fairly and effectively regulate what are "natural monopolies"--Those infrastructure and utility services whose technologies make competition impractical?" "Rather than sticking narrowly to economics, José A. Gómez-Ibáñez also draws on history, politics, and a wealth of examples to provide a road map for various approaches to regulation. He makes a strong case for favoring market-oriented and contractual approaches - including private contracts between infrastructure providers and customers as well as concession contracts with the government acting as an intermediary - over those that grant government regulators substantial discretion. "Contracts can provide stronger protection for infrastructure customers and suppliers - and greater opportunities to tailor services to their mutual advantage."--Jacket.