Commentary on Sections Part 2: New Regulatory Arrangements, Etc 121. .Section 39: objectives and duties under WIA
This section amends section 2 of the WIA. New subsections (2A), (2B) and (2C) amend the general duties which affect the manner in which the Secretary of State and Authority exercise their specified functions under the WIA. They are given a new consumer objective to protect the interests of consumers of regulated water and sewerage services, wherever appropriate through promoting effective competition. They are under a duty to further that objective, to secure that the functions of water undertakers and sewerage undertakers are properly carried out throughout England and Wales, to secure that companies holding appointments are able (in particular, by securing reasonable returns on their capital) to finance the proper carrying out of the functions specified in the conditions of their appointments, and to secure that the activities and functions of licensed water suppliers are properly carried out.
122.In determining the “interest of consumers” for the purpose of the consumer objective, the regulator should take into account the interests of all customers. However, the regulator should also have for consumers who are disabled or chronically sick, are of pensionable age, have low incomes or reside in rural areas. In addition, the regulator should have regard for customers of undertakers whose premises are not eligible for supply by licensed water suppliers. This is intended to enable the regulator to balance the interests of these and eligible customers.
123.New subsection (2E) empowers the Authority and Secretary of State, in exercising any function in relation to water, to have regard to any interests of consumers of gas, electricity and telecommunications services, which are affected by the carrying out of that function.
124.New subsection (3) provides that, subject to the primary duties in new section (2A), the Authority or the Secretary of State should carry out their duties in such a manner as to
	promote efficiency and economy on the part of companies appointed as water and sewerage undertakers;
	ensure that there is no undue discrimination in the fixing of water and drainage charges;
	secure that the interests of customers and potential customers of such companies are protected as regards the sale of land;
	ensure that the interests of customers and potential customers are also protected in relation to any activities undertaken by their water or sewerage undertaker that are unrelated to their functions as statutory undertakers, or in relation to the activities of any person who appears to be connected with the undertaker, including through the presentation of accounts in a suitable form; and
	contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
125.New subsection (4) provides that in exercising their powers and performing their duties set out in subsection (1), the Secretary of State and the Authority shall have regard to the principles of best regulatory practice, including transparency, accountability, proportionality, consistency and targeting.
126.Subsection (9) provides for the provisions of this section not to detract from other duties imposed on the Authority or Secretary of State.