The UK Regulators Network  has today published its annual reporting guidance document for infrastructure operators.

The guidance note forms part of the recommendations following the UK Regulators Network’s (UKRN) review of the experience of infrastructure businesses and others that must arrange to cross or work near the in-situ assets of regulated utilities and rail networks.

In September 2015 the UKRN published its recommendations to promote an industry-led, self-regulatory solution with:

• A statement of good practice principles for network operators to guide interactions with clients
• A recommendation for publication of an access statement, which bring together the information that clients need to know when planning works or agreeing terms to cross in-situ assets
• An annual report by network operators looking at how well they have met clients’ needs and considering changes to practices or processes in future

UKRN said the guidance note reflected the views and preferences of respondents to its consultation on the content that should be included in an annual report on interactions.

However, UKRN emphasised that the guidance was not a prescriptive formula for annual reporting saying that the main purpose is to assist network operators in preparing their own reports, commenting:

“..network operators are best placed to judge the needs of clients and to present information that gives a balanced assessment of performance and planned improvement.”

UKRN is a network formed by the UK’s economic regulators, including the Civil Aviation Authority,  Office of Communications, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, Office of Rail Regulation and the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat). The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) is also a contributing member.

The guidance has been produced by Ofgem, Ofcom, Ofwat and ORR.

Click here to download Cross-sector infrastructure interactions - Annual Reporting Guidance Note