Question

If a regulatory commission imposes upon a nondiscriminating natural monopoly a price that is equal to marginal cost and below average total cost at the resulting output, then

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is letter "D": The firm must be subsidized or it will go bankrupt.

Explanation:

A subsidy is a benefit given to an individual, business or institution, typically by the government. Subsidies are given to promote a social good or economic policy. The government usually provides subsidies in the form of cash or tax breaks, low-rate loans, and certain types of rebates.

In the example, as the commission sets the price of the monopoly products below the average total cost, it will be translated in losses. Then, a subsidy will be necessary to be provided otherwise the company will file for bankruptcy.