An electrical utility is experiencing a sharp power demand that continues to grow at a high rate in a certain local area.
Two alternatives are under consideration. Each is designed to provide enough capacity during the next 25 years, and both will consume the same amount of fuel, so fuel cost is not considered in the analysis.
•Alternative A. Increase the generating capacity now so that the ultimate demand can be met without additional expenditures later. An initial investment of $30 million would be required, and it is estimated that this plant facility would be in service for 25 years and have a salvage value of $0.85 million. The annual operating and maintenance costs (including income taxes) would be $0.4 million.
• Alternative B. Spend $10 million now and follow this expenditure with future additions during the 10th year and the 15th year. These additions would cost $ 18 million and $ 12 million, respectively. The facility would be sold 25 years from now with a salvage value of $1.5 million. The annual operating and maintenance costs (including income taxes) initially will be $250,000 and will increase to $0.35 million after the second addition (from the 11th year to the 15th year) and to $0.45 million during the final 10 years. (Assume that these costs begin one year subsequent to the actual addition.)
On the basis of the present-worth criterion, if the firm uses 15% as a MARR, which alternative should be undertaken?