Electricity Authority – Member

About the Authority

Electricity Authority

The Electricity Authority (the Authority) is established under the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (the Act) and is responsible for governance and regulation of the electricity sector. The Authority’s objective is to promote competition in, reliable supply by, and efficient operation of, electricity market for the long-term benefit of consumers.

As set out in section 16 of the Act, the Authority’s key functions are to:

• Make and administer rules governing the electricity industry through an Electricity Industry Participation Code (the Code).
• Monitor compliance with the Code and other provisions in the Act and regulations, and take enforcement action.
• Undertake market facilitation measures, such as education, and provide guidelines, information and model arrangements.
• Undertake industry and market monitoring, and carry out reviews, studies and enquiries into matters relation to the industry.
• Contract for market operation services and system operator services.
• Promote to consumers the benefits of comparing and switching retailers.

The Authority is a Crown entity

The Authority is an independent Crown entity. The Crown Entities Act 2004 provides a framework for Crown entity governance and accountability, including responsibilities of board members, disclosure of interests, and the roles of Ministers. For more information about the Authority, see the Electricity Authority website(external link).

Authority membership

Role of Authority members

• Provide effective leadership to the entity, consistent with the purpose of the entity and Ministers’ expectations.
• Ensure effective accountability and governance of the entity, consistent with the requirements of relevant legislation, including the Crown Entities Act.
• Act as the leader of the entity, including presenting the entity’s objectives and strategies to the public. Represent the entity to government and stakeholders.
• Attend board meetings and ensure appropriate policies and structures are in place to support the entity.
• Provide guidance and support to other members to ensure they contribute effectively to the governance of the entity.
• Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive to ensure the entity is managed effectively. This includes establishing an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive while also taking an independent view to challenge and test management thinking.
• Manages risk and ensures compliance of the entity.
• Act with honesty, integrity, in good faith and not at the expense of the entity’s interests.
• Act with reasonable care, diligence and skill (as a ‘reasonable person’ would in the same circumstances).
• Avoid disclosing information obtained in their capacity as a member, unless in specified circumstances.

Membership of the Authority

The Authority comprises between five and seven members. Members are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Energy for terms of up to five years. Collectively, members of the Authority must have knowledge and experience of, and capability in:

• The electricity industry.
• Consumer issues.
• Business generally.

Members must be aware of the importance of personal integrity and the need to disclose any interests they have or are likely to have in matters relating to the Authority, whether or not these create a conflict of interest. Members must also be sure that they have the interest and enthusiasm needed to contribute effectively to the performance of the entity throughout their term of membership.

Time commitment and remuneration

The fee payable to members of the Authority for carrying out their duties is set by the Remuneration Authority. Members receive their determination from the Authority at the time they take up their appointment. Members are entitled to receive reasonable and actual allowances for travelling and other expenses relating to performance of their duties.

The Authority member positions are part-time. The Authority meets in Wellington on a regular basis. In addition, members of the Authority are required to spend time preparing for meetings and on other Authority matters. The time needed for the members are one to two days per week. Authority members are expected to attend and participate regularly in meetings consistent with general fiduciary standards and the governance requirements under the Crown Entities Act.

Person specifications

Specific skills required

At this time, the Minister for Energy is seeking candidates with:

• Proven governance experience
• A genuine interest and in-depth knowledge of the New Zealand electricity market and wider energy systems
• Extensive knowledge and experience of regulatory practice, including compliance monitoring, education and enforcement, systems management and regulatory economics
• A strong procedural focus and the ability to think strategically.

Other useful skills and capabilities

• A deep understanding of the global energy environment, climate change and lowering climate emissions, emerging technological and related energy system trends, and their potential impact in New Zealand
• Strategic financial capability, including audit and risk expertise
• Knowledge and experience of energy issues from a consumer perspective, particularly small business and vulnerable domestic consumers, or from an energy retailer perspective
• Legal expertise, in particular a practicing lawyer specialising in commercial and contract litigation, consumer law or dispute resolution
• Strong business acumen, with experience in the operation of large commercial entities or capital-intensive industries
• An understanding of te ao Māori and a strong connection to Māori business
• Experience in industries which use, produce or convey large volumes of electricity.

Additional information

For further enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz