More about our duties
The duties for most of our work as an economic regulator are laid down in section 2 of the Water Industry Act 1991 (WIA91) as updated by section 39 of the Water Act 2003. Our main duties are to:
- protect the interests of consumers, wherever appropriate by promoting effective competition;
- secure that the functions of each undertaker (ie water company) are properly carried out and that they are able to finance their functions, in particular by securing reasonable returns on their capital; and to
- secure that companies with water supply licences (ie those selling water to large business customers, known as licensees) properly carry out their functions.
Subject to our main duties, we also:
- promote economy and efficiency by companies in their work;
- secure that no undue preference or discrimination is shown by companies in fixing charges;
- secure that consumers' interests are protected where companies sell land;
- ensure that consumers' interests are protected in relation to any unregulated activities of companies;
- contribute to the achievement of sustainable development; and
- have regard to the principles of best regulatory practice.
We also have general duties in exercising our powers to consider the effect on the environment.
