The Water Industry Commission for Scotland was created by the Water Services etc. (Scotland) Act 2005 to replace the office of the Water Industry Commissioner for Scotland. It has a statutory duty to promote the interests of customers of the Scottish water industry.

The Commission does this by:

  • regulating prices for household customers and wholesale charges for suppliers to ensure that they represent value for money;
  • making sure that Scottish Water delivers for customers by monitoring progress; and
  • managing the licensing framework for the competitive retail market to supply business and public sector customers in Scotland.

The Commission sets limits on the prices customers pay for water and sewerage services every five years. The price limits deliver the Scottish Ministers’ objectives for the water industry at the lowest reasonable overall cost. The objectives include improvements in water quality, environmental performance and customer service.