Scotland the hydro nation

The Scottish Government has published its second consultation around the 'hydro nation' concept, including some proposals for a draft bill. There are both similarities and differences from the first consultation that took place in December 2010. The system of economic regulation is not perfect. It depends on the existence of Ofwat to provide a set of comparators with benchmark SW. For carbon management, for renewables and for encouraging inward investment, the twin track of supporting research and planning for innovation seems the right approach. The countervailing, positive analysis suggests that such broad duties are a signal of intent and a framework for policy commitment. A number of things spring to mind. First, it is not quite clear whether these changes will amend section 20 of the 1991 Act, or replace it with new provisions in the Water Resources Bill. The former seems likely but the latter would surely be better.