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Residential water demand under block rates: a Portuguese case study

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Martins

    (Faculdade de Economia, Universidade de Coimbra)

  • Adelino Fortunato

    (GEMF and Faculdade de Economia, Universidade de 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Martins & Adelino Fortunato, 2005. "Residential water demand under block rates: a Portuguese case study," GEMF Working Papers 2005-09, GEMF, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra.
    • Handle: RePEc:gmf:wpaper:2005-09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Henrique Monteiro, 2010. "Residential Water Demand in Portugal: checking for efficiency-based justifications for increasing block tariffs," Working Papers Series 1 ercwp0110, ISCTE-IUL, Business Research Unit (BRU-IUL).
    2. Schleich, Joachim & Hillenbrand, Thomas, 2009. "Determinants of residential water demand in Germany," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(6), pages 1756-1769, April.
    3. Rita Martins & Carlota Quintal & Eduardo Barata & Luís Cruz, 2010. "Water Pricing and Social Equity in Portuguese Municipalities," GEMF Working Papers 2010-17, GEMF, Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra.
    4. Maria A. García‐Valiñas & Roberto Martínez‐Espiñeira & Francisco González‐Gómez, 2010. "Economics of Water Reform in the Murray-Darling Basin," Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy Papers 1005, Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.
    5. Maria A. García-Valiñas & Roberto Martínez-Francisco & González-Gómez, 2010. "Water affordability: alternativem measurement and explanatory Factors in Andalusia," Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy Papers 1014, Centre for Water Economics, Environment and Policy, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University.
    6. Nuno Teles, 2015. "Financialisation and neoliberalism; The case of water provision in Portugal," Working papers wpaper102, Financialisation, Economy, Society & Sustainable Development (FESSUD) Project.
    7. Jiménez, Darío F. & Orrego, Sergio A. & Vásquez, Felipe A. & Ponce, Roberto D., 2016. "Estimación de la demanda de agua para uso residencial urbano usando un modelo discreto-continuo y datos desagregados a nivel de hogar: el caso de la ciudad de Manizales, Colombia," Revista Lecturas de Economía, Universidad de Antioquia, CIE, issue 86, pages 153-178, December.
    8. David Hoyos & Alaitz Artabe, 2017. "Regional Differences in the Price Elasticity of Residential Water Demand in Spain," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 31(3), pages 847-865, February.
    9. Konstantin Kogan & Charles Tapiero, 2010. "Water supply and consumption uncertainty: a conflict-equilibrium," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 181(1), pages 199-217, December.
    10. Despina Manouseli & S. M. Kayaga & R. Kalawsky, 2019. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Residential Water Efficiency Initiatives in England: Influencing Factors and Policy Implications," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 33(7), pages 2219-2238, May.
    11. Darío F. Jiménez & Sergio A. Orrego & Felipe A. Vásquez & Roberto D. Ponce, 2017. "Estimating water demand for urban residential use using a discrete-continuous model and disaggregated data at the household level: the case of the city of Manizales, Colombia," Lecturas de Economía, Universidad de Antioquia, Departamento de Economía, issue 86, pages 153-178, Enero - J.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    demand; water utilities; pricing policy.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L95 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Gas Utilities; Pipelines; Water Utilities
    • Q25 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Water

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