This MCC paper explains how Abu Dhabi has regulated operating expenditure over time and what the evolution says about efficiency incentives, evidence standards, and regulatory maturity. Explore how benchmarking, conditional mechanisms, and forecasting discipline shape allowances and utility behaviour.

The paper traces the development of Opex setting in Abu Dhabi’s utility price controls, highlighting the shift from simpler historical baselines toward more structured, benchmarked approaches. It discusses how hybrid “top-down” and “bottom-up” methods, yardstick competition concepts, and conditional allowances influence the gap between company forecasts and allowed expenditure. The note also flags real-world uncertainties like inflation shocks and supply chain pressures and how adaptive mechanisms can balance consumer protection with operational realities.

About

Abstract

This MCC insight looks “across the pond” for practical ideas to strengthen UK water asset health, connecting regulatory design with engineering rigour and resilience outcomes. Discover what US approaches can teach the UK about proactive maintenance, governance, and nature-based solutions.

The paper argues for a shift from reactive renewal (driven by failures) to proactive asset health assessment and oversight. It highlights how some US frameworks incorporate engineering expertise into regulation through standardised reporting, certification, and inspections, offering potential models for UK adaptation. The note also discusses strategic consolidation where fragmentation creates risk, and the role of nature-based solutions in reducing stress on traditional assets while improving environmental outcomes.

About

Abstract

This MCC piece sets the scene for a US–UK comparison series, highlighting why cross-country learning matters as both systems face ageing infrastructure, climate pressures, and rising expectations. Explore the governance and market differences, and what they mean for future reform choices.

The paper outlines key points of comparison between the US and UK water sectors, including ownership and governance structures, the role of regional planning and partnerships, and how innovation emerges in different institutional settings. It frames the value of looking at state-by-state US variation to identify adaptable approaches, and positions the series as a practical contribution to building more resilient, efficient, and sustainable water services in England and Wales.

About

Abstract

This MCC insight distils what it takes to run power systems with very high renewables: better forecasting, faster connections, smarter planning, and a serious focus on flexibility. Explore the practical “playbook” for grid readiness, drawn from examples across the UK, Australia, and the Gulf.

The paper summarises critical enablers for high-renewable grids, spanning network planning, connections reform, and operational tools like forecasting and digital platforms. It highlights the importance of sequencing wires and flexibility investments (including storage and demand response) so renewables can connect and operate reliably. Using cross-market examples, it also discusses institutional arrangements (e.g., T&D structures), regulatory reforms that prioritise “shovel-ready” projects, and the role of collaborative scenario planning in accelerating build-out while maintaining security of supply.

About

Abstract

This MCC paper explores what resilience really means for water systems, and why the UK can learn from US tools and case studies as pressures from climate change and ageing assets intensify. Discover actionable strategies to strengthen planning, regulation, and long-term service reliability.

Starting from themes raised by the Independent Water Commission (IWC), the paper frames resilience as the ability to absorb shocks (like droughts and floods) while adapting to long-run challenges. It identifies shared UK/US issues, ageing infrastructure, fragmentation, and extreme weather, and explores US case studies (including consolidation approaches and more hands-on supervisory regulation) that could inform UK policy and regional planning. The note emphasises that resilience must be tackled at system and governance levels, not treated as a narrow technical afterthought.

About

Abstract

This MCC insight shows how utilities can unlock “hidden capacity” through demand-side management, reducing curtailment, easing network constraints, and making solar-heavy systems more stable. Explore the programmes, incentives, and operational changes that turn flexible demand into a planning asset.

The paper explains why DSM is becoming essential as solar penetration rises, focusing on the utility’s role in designing and operating flexibility programmes. It discusses how tariffs, incentives, and smart enablement (e.g., digital platforms and automation) can shift or shape load to match solar output, reduce peak stress, and defer network reinforcement. The note also outlines implementation considerations, customer participation, measurement/verification, and how DSM should be valued within planning and regulatory frameworks to scale reliably.

About

Abstract