Economic regulators are key to the performance of network sectors such as energy,
e-communications, transport and water. They regulate and supervise to ensure sectors
that can efficiently deliver essential services for the benefit of society. Operating
from a unique position in relation to consumers, operators and government, they provide
evidence-based and objective decision making that can build trust in the regulatory
system and public institutions. A crucial factor in their ability to do this is their
governance, including how they are resourced. Resourcing arrangements can make or
break regulators’ effectiveness. Constraints in their funding or in their autonomy
to manage resources may limit regulators’ agility or capacity to act. Where these
constraints are significant, they may undermine the regulator’s ability to fulfil
their mandates. This report discusses the implications of funding and staff arrangements
for the autonomy, agility, accountability and transparency of regulators in the energy,
e-communications, transport and water sectors. It identifies trends, challenges, opportunities
and good practices, drawing upon survey responses from 57 economic regulators across
31 countries.
While many economic regulators are independent bodies, in practice their autonomy
and agility can be restricted by how they receive and manage resources. For example,
more than a quarter of regulators need to obtain approval from the executive before
hiring new staff.
Accountability and transparency
Transparency and accountability mechanisms around budget decisions and spending are
in place for most regulators. Five out of six regulators are involved when discussing
national budget appropriations or setting the fee that funds the regulator, a safeguard
against “closed door” decision making by the executive.
Ability and capacity
Challenges to attract, develop and retain staff and the sufficiency of funding may
affect a regulator’s ability to deliver on its mandate. Many regulators report difficulties
in hiring well-qualified staff for certain positions, and some saw their revenues
decrease during the COVID-19 crisis.
OECD survey on the resourcing arrangements of economic regulators