Italian economic regulation of water and urban waste services

This workshop will examine whether Italian economic regulation of water and urban waste services is making a tangible contribution to the financeability of the sector.

Economic regulation of water services was introduced in Italy in 2012. The regulator took charge of an industry that had been underinvesting for decades, which led to service levels among the lowest in Europe. ARERA took its first decisions and was subjected to legal challenge immediately by various stakeholders. Entering the fourth regulatory period, the water economic regulation appears to have overcome those challenges, promoted efficiency and increased investments as well as service quality levels. In 2018 urban waste management was subjected to economic regulation. ARERA had the task to draw the boundaries between areas where operators had clearly market power-requiring ex ante intervention-and areas where market dynamics could deliver economically efficient outcomes. Arera put in place a regulatory framework that was also challenged.

At the beginning of the third regulatory period the consolidation of the regulatory framework is underway also for waste. The regulator, utilities, credit agencies, banks, academics and practitioners are coming together to reflect upon the impact of ARERA’s regulation on water and urban waste management services and explore how it can help for a future of evolving operational and market challenges.

The event is by invitation only.

At the EUI and the Robert Schuman Centre, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing equal opportunities for everyone. Please indicate in the registration form your accessibility needs, if any. Alternatively, you can contact the logistics organiser of the event.