Equipping Agile and Autonomous Regulators
Economic regulators are key to the performance of network sectors such as energy, e-communications, transport and water. They regulate and supervise to ensure sectors that can efficiently deliver essential services for the benefit of society. Operating from a unique position in relation to consumers, operators and government, they provide evidence-based and objective decision making that can build trust in the regulatory system and public institutions. A crucial factor in their ability to do this is their governance, including how they are resourced. Resourcing arrangements can make or break regulators’ effectiveness. Constraints in their funding or in their autonomy to manage resources may limit regulators’ agility or capacity to act. Where these constraints are significant, they may undermine the regulator’s ability to fulfil their mandates. This report discusses the implications of funding and staff arrangements for the autonomy, agility, accountability and transparency of regulators in the energy, e-communications, transport and water sectors. It identifies trends, challenges, opportunities and good practices, drawing upon survey responses from 57 economic regulators across 31 countries.
Foreword
Economic regulators have an important role to play in the achievement of social, economic and environmental policy objectives in network sectors. They regulate and supervise to ensure smooth-running sectors that deliver essential services efficiently for the benefit of society. They exist to bring stability, predictability and confidence to markets that are constantly evolving. Since they operate from a unique position among consumers, operators and government, their governance is all the more important. Good governance is crucial to ensure effective regulators able to improve sector outcomes and build trust in regulatory systems and public institutions.
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