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Contract renegotiation by an Italian wastewater utility: Action research to promote effective tariff revision

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  • Guerrini, A.
  • Romano, G.

Abstract

This article focuses on the process of contract renegotiation by an Italian wastewater utility, commenced with the goal of tariff revision. The main aim of this paper is to identify the conditions that lead to contract renegotiation. It also develops new tools and operations that can facilitate this process. We utilized the action research method that involves organizations in changing situations supported by professional researchers who assume the role of change agents. The study provides some interesting insights on contract management and renegotiation, and highlights conditions that lead to the failure of contract-based regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Guerrini, A. & Romano, G., 2017. "Contract renegotiation by an Italian wastewater utility: Action research to promote effective tariff revision," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 176-183.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:48:y:2017:i:c:p:176-183
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2017.08.004
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    Cited by:

    1. Guerrini, Andrea & Molinos-Senante, María & Romano, Giulia, 2018. "Italian regulatory reform and water utility performance: An impact analysis," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 95-102.
    2. Romano, Giulia & Guerrini, Andrea & Senoner, Thomas, 2020. "Establishing a new water tariff method that complies with european principles and respects statutory autonomy: The case of South Tyrol," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    3. Yanhua Du & Jun Fang & Yongjian Ke & Simon P Philbin & Jingxiao Zhang, 2019. "Developing a Revenue Sharing Method for an Operational Transfer-Operate-Transfer Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-19, November.
    4. Lima, Sónia & Brochado, Ana & Marques, Rui Cunha, 2021. "Public-private partnerships in the water sector: A review," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).

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