2011 Graduates: Dr Ben McNair

Ben's PhD looked at the benefits of moving power lines underground in Canberra. As part of his research, he studied real estate sales in three Canberra suburbs, revealing that the market value of houses serviced by underground wires is about 2.9 per cent more. He also found that Canberra households were willing to pay an average of at least $6,838 for 'undergrounding' in their suburb, attracted to improved appearance and safety, relaxed tree trimming requirements and less restrictions on using yard space. Ben is now looking at what consumers want from utility services ' a reduction in standards for lower bills or to pay more for improved service' He was awarded the prize for best first-time presenter at the 2010 annual conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.