And so to this week’s Utility Week Congress in Birmingham, where the future role of regulation is at the centre of debate. The conversation begins with Ofwat chief executive Cathryn Ross reflecting on the experience of PR14, now drawing to a close, which has overtly sought to remove the regulator from the dialogue between water company and customer. Ofwat has instead required companies to develop the best business plan they can, in consultation with their customers, and then put that forward to the regulator. While this approach has suited some companies more than others, it has certainly brought about a culture shift across the sector.
For Ofgem, it’s a matter of principle
