On 25 November, Director Michael Dawes will speak in a session titled “How Should Economic Regulation Evolve to Manage the Rise of Major Projects and Changing Risk Landscape in Water?” at Utility Week Forum 2026. Dr. Dawes will cover:

• How major projects are changing the risk landscape for water companies and their customers;

• The challenges these changes create under the current regulatory approach; and

• How the regulatory framework needs to change to manage these risks and deliver customer value for money.

NERA is a proud sponsor of the forum. Utility Week Forum aims to understand the complexities and challenges facing the utilities sector. The event will bring together senior leaders from the power, gas, and water sectors, alongside regulators, policymakers, and strategic partners, to discuss the future of utilities, challenge accountability, stress-test risk strategies, and support long-term resilience across the sector.