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Compensating Variation




CV = e(p_1, u_0) - e(p_0, u_0)

where e(p,u) is is a function that gives the minimum expenditure required to reach utility u given prices p. Compensating variation is the metric behind Kaldor-Hicks Efficiency ; if the winners of from a particular policy change can compensate the losers it is Kaldor-Hicks efficient, even if the compensation is not made.

Equivalent Variation (EV) is a closely related measure that uses old prices and the new utility level. It measures the amount of money a consumer would pay to avoid a price change, before it happens. For quasi-linear preference EV=CV=Consumer surplus, but this is not always true.


SEE ALSO



REFERENCES

Hicks, J.R. Value and capital: An inquiry into some fundamental principles of economic theory Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1939