This book examines the implications for public law of the regulation of privatised utilities, asking how these institutions fit into our constitutional understandings regarding accountability, individual rights and territorial government. It argues that new approaches are needed if constitutional and regulatory principles are to accommodate one another. This is of particular interest in the context of recent constitutional reforms and the growing influence of European integration.

After describing the institutions, their powers and duties, particular attention is paid to the position of consumers, the role of the European Community, territorial government and the place of individual rights. The book concludes by looking at price control, the coming of competitive markets for utility services and the future of the regulatory system in the light of convergence, multi-utilities and the government's planned reforms.