Electricity Authority Reappointments

  • Simon Bridges
Energy and Resources

Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges has reappointed Dr Brent Layton as chair of the Electricity Authority and Susan Paterson and Elena Trout as members.

The Electricity Authority is an independent Crown entity established in November 2010 to replace the former Electricity Commission. 

It is responsible for governance and regulation of the electricity market and its objective is to promote competition, reliable supply, and the efficient operation of the electricity sector for the long term benefit of consumers.

Mr Bridges says the reappointments, each for five years, retain valuable governance experience and leadership within the Authority. 

“All three members have been on the Authority since its establishment in 2010.  Under their stewardship the electricity market has become well-functioning and more competitive, ensuring a secure supply of electricity to businesses and households.”

Mr Bridges says the Authority is in the midst of a substantial work programme, much of it still related to the outcomes of the 2009 Ministerial Review of Electricity Market Performance, as well as associated amendments to the Electricity industry Participation Code 2010. 

“Stability in the governance and leadership of the Authority at this time will avoid disruption to this work programme,” he says.

There are five members of the Authority, the other two being David Bull and Hon Roger Sowry.

Background information on appointees:

Dr Brent Layton ONZM

Brent Layton is a former chief executive at the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.  He has been a director or chairman of organisations in sectors as diverse as banking and finance, health, scientific research, electricity, food processing, transport and information technology.  His consultancy work has covered many areas of macro and micro economics and corporate finance.  Much of it has involved regulatory economics and responses to regulatory change (including in the electricity sector).  In 2009 he chaired the Technical Advisory group which contributed to the Ministerial Review of Electricity Market Performance.

Susan Paterson ONZM

Susan Paterson has been a professional director for the past 20 years and has an extensive background and understanding of corporate governance and accountability in the private and state sector.  In 2015 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to corporate governance.  Currently she is Chair of Airways Corporation and Home of Cycling, as well as being on several other boards.  As well as being on the Electricity Authority, Ms Paterson has previous experience with electricity sector governance and regulation from former directorships of Transpower, EECA, and Ngawha Generation, and as Project Director for the Wholesale Electricity Market Development Group in 1986. 

Elena Trout

Elena Trout is a professional civil engineer and has extensive management, consultancy and directorship experience in the energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.  She has held a number of executive positions in these sectors which included the responsibility of the management, planning and delivery of large capital intensive programmes.  As well as being on the Electricity Authority Ms Trout holds several directorships including EECA, Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd, is the current Deputy President of IPENZ, and previously she was on the Transpower Board.