13/04/2006 NEW CHAIRMAN FOR ENERGY AUTHORITYPeter Matthews has been appointed the new Chairman for the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER), for three years from 1 April 2006. The announcement of the new Chairman was made today following a competition to replace outgoing Chairman, Douglas McIldoon, who retired on 31 March this year.
Welcoming the appointment, Enterprise Minister, Angela Smith, said: "I am delighted that Dr Matthews has agreed to accept the post of Chairman of NIAER. He brings to the post his long experience in the water industry in England, which will benefit the Authority when it takes on the responsibility for the regulation of the water and sewerage industry, next April.
"I am convinced that Dr Matthews has the essential leadership qualities to enable the Authority to continue to make a significant contribution to the regulation of energy, one of the most important industries in Northern Ireland."
The Minister also recorded her thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Douglas McIldoon and said: "Douglas McIldoon has played a key role in the development of energy regulation in Northern Ireland, as Chairman of NIAER and through his seven years as Director General for gas and electricity.
"Mr McIldoon has given impetus to the development of an all-island market and has strongly supported renewable energy and sustainable issues. I want to thank him for his significant contribution to the Authority's strong consumer focus and his personal commitment to secure the expansion of the natural gas industry."
Dr Matthews will receive annual remuneration of £32,032 and is expected to devote around one day a week to Authority business. The appointment has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Code of Practice. The final decision rested with the Prime Minister. He also sits on the Board of the Environment Agency and has been appointed to the Board of the Port of London Authority.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The role of the Authority is to regulate the electricity and natural gas industries in Northern Ireland within the strategic policy parameters determined by Ministers. These industries occupy a central position in the Northern Ireland economy and provide essential services for domestic, industrial and commercial electricity and gas customers. Subject to the enactment of legislation, the Authority will also take on responsibility for the regulation of the water and sewerage industries in Northern Ireland from 1 April 2007.
Under the provisions of the Energy (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, the Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and no less than two members. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is responsible for the appointment of the Chairperson and members of the Authority.
Until the retirement of Douglas McIldoon on 31 March, the Authority was made up of the Chairman and four members:
John Fitzgerald;
John Gilliland;
Peter Lehmann; and
Joan Whiteside.
The posts of Chief Executive and Chair of NIAER were both held by Douglas McIldoon. Following a recommendation by the Better Regulation Taskforce on Independent Regulators, these posts were split. A competition to find a new Chief Executive resulted in the recent appointment of Iain Osborne (see Ofreg press release dated 3 April 2006).
The new Chairman is Peter Matthews. He was formerly Deputy Managing Director for Anglian Water International and Chair of its Czech subsidiary until 1999. He was previously Anglian Water's Director responsible for ventures and technology in international business and a member of Anglian Water International board. Prior to that he was Director responsible for technology innovation and business change, water quality, champion of the learning organisation, University of Water, and a Board member on various Anglian Water technology subsidiaries. He has also worked in his own consultancy which is now dormant. He has two other public appointments. He currently sits on the national Board of the Environment Agency (until September 2006) for which he receives remuneration of £27,000 pa and has just been appointed to the board of the Port of London Authority for which he receives remuneration of £21,000 pa.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. Dr Matthews has not carried out any political activity in the last five years.
Media enquiries to DETI Press Office, tel: 028 9052 9611
<< Back
|
