BWSL proposed a set or rate increases in October, the PUC rejected them in November – and then in December BWSL asked for an independent expert to render his opinion. That person ahs been appointed; he is Dr. Richard Hern the Director of NERA Economic Consulting based in England.

Dr. Hern takes up his appointment today and will consider the Initial Decision of the PUC and deliver his report to the PUC on or before February 8, 2010. He is a specialist in economic regulation of utility industries with a specific focus on the water sector. He served as Independent Expert in Belize in 2004.