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

Jonathan Morris and Martina McGuinness

Utilities Policy, 2019, vol. 60, issue C, -

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.

Keywords: Sustainability; Liberalisation; Water management; Water governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:juipol:v:60:y:2019:i:c:2

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2019.100939

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