Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
"Competition and Economic Regulation in Water: The Future of the European Water Industry" examines the fundamentals of water sector organisation. In light of the developments in thinking regarding natural monopolies and competition that have been so influential in other utility sectors, this book assesses and reviews the main developments in economic regulation and competition in the European water industry. It also addresses ways in which economic regulation and competition should be further developed in view of the European water industry's present structure. The book highlights the development of water sector regulation in three major European markets (England & Wales, France and Germany) that have had a great influence on international water sector policymakers. In doing so, the book develops and employs a common intellectual framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the regulatory regime in each country. "Competition and Economic Regulation in Water: The Future of the European Water Industry" will prove a unique and invaluable reference for water utilities, consultants, economic researchers, governments and policymakers who are dealing with the changing state of the water sector not just in Europe but also worldwide.
Synopsis
Competition and Economic Regulation in Water: The Future of the European Water Industry reviews the main developments in economic regulation and competition in the European water industry and considers ways in which economic regulation and competition should be further developed. The book focusses on the best means of regulating or introducing competition into the industry in light of its present structure. Competition and Regulation in Water: The Future of the European Water Industry concentrates on the water industry, however, many of the conclusions are equally applicable also to the wastewater industry. Contents Introduction Water industry fundamentals: the rationale for regulation and the scope for competition A framework for evaluating different models of water industry regulation England & Wales: private ownership and independent regulation France: competition for the market and contract-based regulation Germany: public-private partnerships and multi-sector utilities Developing water sector regulatory frameworks in less developed countries Appendix: The legislative framework for the water industry in England & Wales