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Published on: 20/07/2010

To implement pro-poor measures, reformers need to identify the poor, determine how they obtain services and what services they can afford, how they are are organised and what they want. Pro-poor policy and regulation of utility services are directed toward providing poor customers with reasonable access to utility services at affordable prices and adequate quality, no matter where they are or who serves them. The poor may be targeted in policy and regulatory design and regulatory reform by:

  1. expanding access
  2. diversifying service quality (or offering different levels of services), and
  3. making prices affordable.

The policy brief provides an overview of measures in each of the above three categories. Though most of the examples come from the energy sector, the measures mentioned are generally applicable for both sectors. These range from different forms of subsidies to flexible payment schemes and good neighbour funds, and from use of low-cost technologies to a moratorium on lifeline disconnections. Demand management through increased water and energy efficiencyand conservation is an important pro-poor measure. Demand-side water management measures include water recycling; putting in automatic water flow restrictors; using efficient toilets and low-flow showerheads; and providing for seasonal variations in the water tariff.

Supply-side water management measures include rainwater harvesting, efficient pumping, leak management, system automation, and metering and monitoring. Regulators can conduct specific activities and take actions to promote pro-poor programs, through utility service extension and pricing programmes, setting quality standards, encouraging water efficiency and promoting transparency and consultation.

Read the full policy brief: Mulqueeny, K.K. and Badelles, A.D.A (2010). Pro-poor policy and regulatory reform of water and energy supply services. (Law and policy reform brief ; no. 3). 8 p. Download full brief

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