This article presents a preliminary conceptual framework that scholars and analysts can use to evaluate regulatory systems in the provision of water and electricity services. We propose an integrative evaluative framework combining regulatory governance and regulatory substance metrics to assess regulatory effectiveness in relation to performance based outcomes in water and energy services provision. We identify eight structural based elements as necessary for effective governance in addition to two output attributes. We then identify twelve components that comprise regulatory substance for the energy and water sectors. We lastly suggest quantitative and qualitative metrics for assessing specific sector outcomes. While we recognize that issues associated with outcomes are ubiquitous to both the water and energy sectors, the metrics necessary to evaluate performance and outcomes are sectorally specific. The novelty of our study is that it does not exempt issues of sustainability and equity from notions of effective regulation. Our framework simultaneously looks at regulatory outcomes and governance at micro (industry), meso (provincial/state) and macro (national) levels. Lastly, it highlights the importance of a mixed methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative metrics. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.