JUNE 2020CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM 19In Search ofCalmPAUL HARPER, DIRECTOR OF ASSET DELIVERY, NORTHERN IRELAND WATERBackgroundHaving worked in Asset Management for some 30 years, primarily in the water sector I have seen many models being used. There are also many different variants of how teams and resources are organised. But what are they all trying to achieve?Water companies in the UK and Ireland are heavily regulated in terms of economic regulation, water quality, and wastewater compliance. There is a tension between what the customer needs and the expenditure required to achieve the desired outcomes. In addition, economic regulators set efficiency targets to minimise the impact on customer bills.Operating ModelsThe UK and Ireland Water Companies have different ownership models. They range from publicly listed, Investment Company owned, full government ownership to one with no shareholders run solely for the benefit of customers. There is clearly no single model and each must work in the way that best works for them, whilst answering to their shareholders and customers alike. All companies' face the same challenges, including becoming even more efficient. So how will the industry achieve this? I share some of my thoughts below.Fig 1: The Asset Life CycleEfficiency ChallengeVirtually all water companies worldwide will face similar challenges. Water Shortages, impacts of climate change, insufficient resources and skills, funding challenges, population and economic growth and an increasing expectation from customers and citizens. To help balance these challenges water companies must organise themselves to deliver their assets efficiently. Besides, why should customers pay more than they really need to?cXoinsightsGGnetThe One-Stop-Shop for Asset Management
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