The Scottish water industry’s work on environmental improvements showcased at IWEX

Alan Sutherland, chief executive of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, gave delegates the latest industry news from north of the border.

Competition for business customers in Scotland was introduced on 1 April last year, the competition framework was introduced by the Water Services (Scotland) Act 2005.

The commission, led by Mr Sutherland, is in charge of the framework set out by the Scottish Parliament in the act, including licensing firms in the market.

Mr Sutherland explained the Water Industry Commission uses a number of tools – including the contract that is agreed at each price review – to challenge Scottish Water to improve its environmental performance.

He said the regulatory framework, enforced by the commission in Scotland, is bringing benefits for customers and by next year, average household bills are likely to be the third lowest in the UK.

During 2006 to 2010, Scottish Water is expected to invest more than £2bn in its assets, it is important to customers that this money is spent efficiently and achieves the outcomes required by ministers.

Luke Walsh