Joseph Cubbin
Manchester
Summary
I am a well-rounded regulatory professional looking for a new challenge. I have extensive experience in all elements of cost assessment. I led UUW's cost assessment function throughout the PR24 process. This involved engagement with Ofwat's cost assessment policy through Future Ideas Lab submissions, Ofwat consultations and the price review process. I developed UUW's cost assessment strategy and authored key submissions. I have extensive experience briefing Executive-level stakeholders. I am an experienced people manager and have a track record of identifying and developing talent within UUW.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Customer Regulation Manager (job share)
United Utilities
Warrington
02.2024 - Current
- This role is a job share. I split my time equally between this position and my cost assessment position.
- Reporting directly to the Customer and Technology Director, I manage the customer-focused aspects of economic regulation including: Guaranteed Service Standards (GSS), Customer measures of experience; and Consumer Council for Water engagement.
- I developed and implemented UUW's approach to the customer-focused Licence condition. I am currently working to implement UUW's internal approach to the consumer involvement rule. I am leading UUW's activity relating to CCW's consumer panel process.
Cost Assessment Manager
United Utilities
Warrington
03.2020 - 11.2025
- As the cost assessment expert within UUW, I led the company’s cost assessment team and wider econometric modelling capabilities;
- I provided thought leadership, by dictating UUW's strategy for cost assessment submissions and representations, working with, and gaining the trust of, senior internal stakeholders. This involved internal and external engagement at all levels of seniority up to and including the UUW and Ofwat Chairs;
- I developed substantial technical experience in managing, analysing and interpreting data, particularly in Excel and Stata. I have proven expertise in econometric modelling and its application to regulatory cost assessment; and
- I led a team of economists throughout the PR24 process and demonstrated an ability get the most from my team even during intense periods. I have a proven track record of supporting and fostering ongoing development within my team.
Charges Reform Economist
United Utilities
Warrington
11.2017 - 02.2020
- Ensured that UUW's wholesale charges were cost reflective and complied with relevant laws, rules and guidance. To do this, I developed and maintained a suite of economic models within Excel that provided clear end-to-end evidence that the charges' building blocks were appropriate.
- Developed UUW's approach to New Appointment and Variation bulk supply charges following Ofwat's updated guidance in 2018.
Economist
United Utilities
Warrington
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Supported UUW's preparations for non-household retail market opening including: supporting internal compliance activities; delivering competition law training; and authoring consultation responses.
Customer Service Representative
Dunelm Mill
08.2013 - 03.2014
Education
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Manchester
09.2014 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics
University of Liverpool
09.2010 - 05.2013
Skills
- Advanced user of conventional Microsoft packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Experienced Stata user
- Confident writer I deliver internal training sessions on writing with clarity
- Demonstrable understanding of key regulatory concepts such as Price Control Deliverables, implicit allowances and catch-up efficiency
A sample of my documents
The principles of regulatory cost assessment. Available here: https://www.unitedutilities.com/globalassets/documents/pdf/the-principles-of-regulatory-cost-assessment.pdf
What can we learn from cost assessment at PR19? Available here: https://www.unitedutilities.com/globalassets/documents/pdf/what-lessons-can-we-learn-from-cost-assessment-at-pr19-final.pdf
UUW's cost assessment proposal. Available here:
https://www.unitedutilities.com/globalassets/z_corporate-site/pr24/supplementary-documents/uuw46.pdf
UUW's storm overflow Draft Determination (DD) representation. Available here:
https://www.unitedutilities.com/globalassets/z_corporate-site/pr24/august-2024/company-representations/uuwr_10_overflows.pdf
UUW's cost assessment representations at DD. Available here: https://www.unitedutilities.com/globalassets/z_corporate-site/pr24/august-2024/company-representations/uuwr_20_cost-and-pcds.pdf
Timeline
Customer Regulation Manager (job share)
United Utilities
02.2024 - Current
Cost Assessment Manager
United Utilities
03.2020 - 11.2025
Charges Reform Economist
United Utilities
11.2017 - 02.2020
Economist
United Utilities
09.2015 - 10.2017
Master of Arts - Economics
University of Manchester
09.2014 - 09.2015
Customer Service Representative
Dunelm Mill
08.2013 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Business Economics
University of Liverpool
09.2010 - 05.2013