An exploratory approach for evaluating the energy and personnel share of operation and maintenance costs for water utilities in selected emerging economies of Europe

This study provides an analysis of specific performance indicators for water utilities in four countries, Albania, Hungary, Poland and Romania. The annual operational and staff cost indicators from records of the IBNET database have been analysed. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences between the fraction of energy and labour operational costs among the countries studied. Some statistically significant correlations of performance within financial indicators are also revealed. The results can provide input for more in-depth technical and economic analysis for water utilities.