New Northern energy regulator named

A former senior executive with Anglian Water has taken over as the North’s new energy regulator, it was confirmed today.

Peter Matthews replaced Douglas McIldoon as the chairman of the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) following his retirement.

Mr Matthews will serve for a period of three years from April 1.

His appointment was welcomed by Northern Ireland Office Enterprise Minister Angela Smith.

“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,” she said.

“I am convinced 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 NIAER has regulated the natural gas and electricity industries in the North, and takes on its new responsibilities on April 1 next year.

Mr Matthews was the former deputy managing director of Anglian Water International and the chair of its Czech subsidiary until 1999.

He also serves on the national board of the Environment Agency and is a member of the Port of London Authority.

The new chairman will receive annual remuneration of £32,032 (€46,400) and is expected to spend around one day a week on authority business.

Angela Smith also paid tribute to Douglas McIldoon, who retired on March 31, saying he had played a key role in the development of energy regulation in the North, as chairman of the NIAER and also for 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,” he said.

“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.”