The Water Services Regulation Authority (known as ‘Ofwat’) is responsible for the economic regulation of the water and sewerage industries in England and Wales. Our economics, therefore, are concerned with a range of practical ‘real-world’ issues affecting an industry vital to everyday life. Our work directly impacts upon customers’ water and sewerage bills, and companies’ profits. It is subject to intense public comment and challenge, and must be rigorous and robust.
What do our economists do?
Our economists are exposed to an interesting range of economic issues in an applied environment.
Our current work covers a wide range of issues, from proposals to introduce market trading for water rights to the potential for restructuring the industry and introducing competition. Areas where economic skills are applied include:
- tariff and charging structures
- the economics of water quality improvement
- environmental economics and cost benefit analysis
- competition policy
- econometric assessment of efficiency
- water resource economics
More information
To find out more about becoming an economist at Ofwat please contact Mr R Davis on telephone 0121 625 1360 or write to Ofwat, Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham B5 4UA, or email recruitment@ofwat.gsi.gov.uk