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Liberalisation of the English water industry: What implications for consumer engagement, environmental protection, and water security?

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  • Morris, Jonathan
  • McGuinness, Martina

Abstract

The implementation of the 2014 Water Act in England unbundled the customer-facing retail and customer service responsibilities from the infrastructure and maintenance wholesale operations for commercial consumers. This study explores the implications of such radical reform of the water supply network the ability to engage with consumers, maintain and develop environmental protections, and ensure security of water supplies. Individual interviews with 23 stakeholders from water supply companies, local authorities, environmental regulators, and consultants, and business representatives reveal a tension between the multiple water supply actors and the ability to deliver cost savings for commercial consumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Morris, Jonathan & McGuinness, Martina, 2019. "Liberalisation of the English water industry: What implications for consumer engagement, environmental protection, and water security?," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1-1.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:60:y:2019:i:c:2
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.100939
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Molinos-Senante, María & Maziotis, Alexandros & Sala-Garrido, Ramón, 2020. "Changes in the total costs of the English and Welsh water and sewerage industry: The decomposed effect of price and quantity inputs on efficiency," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    2. Jian Chang & Wanhua Li & Yaodong Zhou & Peng Zhang & Hengxin Zhang, 2022. "Impact of Public Service Quality on the Efficiency of the Water Industry: Evidence from 147 Cities in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Mukherjee, Maitreyee & Jensen, Olivia, 2022. "Open Water: Impacts of Retail Competition on Service Performance and Water-Use Efficiency in England," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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