The Benefits of PAS 55 for the Water, Wastewater and Electric Industries

The water and wastewater industries probably have the greatest opportunity of all major utility sectors to add value by using the PASS 55 standard. However, they also face the greatest practical problems and risks in doing so. Developments in corporate governance also require best asset management practice of this type to be deployed. There are a number of asset management tools and models available, of which PAS 55 is a supported and leading example. There are two distinct processes which need to be undertaken. (i) Utilities are keen to use such tools as vehicles for discussing objectively their capabilities with key stakeholders such as Regulators and Financial Institutions. PAS 55 and the UKWIR (UK Water Industry Research) Asset Management Planning Assessment Process (AMPAP) model are ideally suited for these tasks. (ii) Utilities are also keen to inspire and support their staff to develop new asset management capabilities which systematically add value for stakeholders by reaching and defining best practice. PAS 55 and the UKWIR models can be used for these purposes but there are better tools available at present. Modifications to PAS 55 and/or the UKWIR models could make them more suited to these tasks.