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UK utility regulators

Eight bodies regulate the UK's utility and network industries, from Ofgem and Ofwat to the Civil Aviation Authority.

The full list

Energy and water 4

Ofgem covers energy in Great Britain, Ofwat water in England and Wales, WICS Scottish Water, and the Utility Regulator energy and water in Northern Ireland.

• Ofgem
• Ofwat
• Water Industry Commission for Scotland
• Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)

Transport 2

The Office of Rail and Road regulates Britain's railways and monitors England's strategic roads; the Civil Aviation Authority regulates Heathrow, Gatwick and air traffic control.

• Office of Rail and Road
• Civil Aviation Authority

Communications and payments 2

Ofcom regulates telecoms and post. The Payment Systems Regulator oversees payment systems and is due to be folded into the Financial Conduct Authority.

• Ofcom
• Payment Systems Regulator

Not on the list

• Financial Conduct Authority: Conduct regulator of financial services, not an economic regulator of a network industry.
• Competition and Markets Authority: Economy-wide competition authority.
• Planned single water regulator for England: Proposed in the January 2026 White Paper but not yet created by law on 2 October 2026.

Questions

How many utility regulators does the UK have?

Eight bodies regulate the UK's utility and network industries, from Ofgem and Ofwat to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Which regulators are on the list?

Ofgem, Ofwat, Water Industry Commission for Scotland, Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland), Office of Rail and Road, Civil Aviation Authority, Ofcom and Payment Systems Regulator.

What is an easy way to remember them?

4-2-2: four for energy and water, two for transport, two for communications and payments.

More lists

Each name checked against at least two sources, one of them Ofgem, on 2 October 2026. Next review by 2 January 2027.
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