Governance, regulation, investment, and bankability of the water service: from the lessons of MTI‑4 (2026–2029) to the new challenges posed by climate change

Governance and regulation in the water service are closely interconnected and represent the pillars of the sector’s industrial development.
In light of the initial results of the first update of MTI‑4 for the 2026–2029 period—particularly with regard to tariff developments, investment plans, and technical quality performance—the event aims to stimulate reflection on several vital aspects of the sector: from the role of regulation in integrating infrastructure resilience with economic and financial sustainability, to financing mechanisms and the attractiveness of both public and private capital, as well as the possible and desirable evolutionary pathways of multilevel governance.
This workshop aims to provide useful insights for policymakers, local regulators, and qualified operators in defining integrated and responsible strategies capable of effectively responding to the many challenges facing the sector, linked both to EU policy objectives and to the risks associated with climate change.

Session Chair

Donato Berardi, Laboratorio REF

Program 

10.00 Welcome Greetings
Gilberto Turati, Presidente REF
Barbara Marinali, Vicepresidente vicario di Utilitalia

10.10 Tariffs and investments: a snapshot of the MTI-4 update for the 2026–2029 period
Samir Traini, Laboratorio REF 

10.20 Technical quality and resilience of water services: lessons from the RQTI 2026 performance
Alberto Bernardini, Laboratorio REF

10.30 The bankability of water services: pathways and instruments to support investment
Giovanni Caucci, Laboratorio REF

10.40 Technical Quality Put to the Test – Focus on M0
Gaia Rodriquez, Utilitalia
 
10.50 Round table
Moderators:
Donato Berardi, Laboratorio REF 
Tania Tellini, Utilitalia

Speeches by:
Tullio Montagnoli, A2A Ciclo Idrico 
Enrico Pezzoli, Acea Acqua
Daniele Barbone, Acqua Novara VCO
Raimondo Besson, Acqua Pubblica Sabina 
Roberto Venneri, Acquedotto Pugliese 
Paolo Saurgnani, Acque Bresciane (Water Alliance e leAcque) 
Paolo Mazzucchelli, Alfa Varese (Water Alliance) 
Massimo Battiston, CAFC
Paolo Peruzzi, GAIA
Alessandro Baroncini, Gruppo Hera
Alessandro Cecchi, Gruppo Iren
Vincenzo Lombardo, Lario Reti (Water Alliance e NET)
Gian Nicola Scarcella, Romagna Acque Società delle Fonti
Stefano Mereu, Siciliacque
Monica Manto, Viveracqua

12.45 Discussion and closure
Massimo Ricci, ARERA