About the Commission

The Utilities Commission was established on 17 March 2000 under the Utilities Commission Act as part of wider reforms by the Northern Territory Government to create an economic regulatory framework for regulated industries. The object of the Act is:

"to create an economic regulatory framework for regulated industries that promotes and safeguards competition and fair and efficient market conduct or, in the absence of a competitive market, that promotes the simulation of competitive market conduct and the prevention of the misuse of monopoly power."

The Commission is a body corporate, constituted by the Utilities Commissioner and any Associate Commissioners, and has functions and powers for the economic regulation of electricity supply, water supply and sewerage services in the Territory in relevant industry specific legislation. The Commission also provides advice to the Minister on regulatory matters.

Dr Pat Walsh was appointed as the (part time) Utilities Commissioner on 28 October 2011. Dr Walsh also serves as the Chairperson of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Energy and has professional affiliations with the Institute of Public Administration Australia, the Association of Business Economists, the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (of which he was formerly the national Vice Chairman) and the Australian Conservation Foundation. Dr Walsh has held a number senior positions in the energy regulation and reform area for some time.

Mr Mike Robson was appointed as a (part-time) Associate Utilities Commissioner with the Utilities Commission for a five year term on 23 June 2009. He has more than 40 years experience as an electricity industry engineer, including 11 years with the National Electricity Market Management Company (NEMMCO).

Mr Peter Caldwell was appointed as a (part-time) Associate Utilities Commissioner with the Utilities Commission for a five year term on 30 July 2009. He has more than 40 years experience in a range of Territory and Commonwealth government departments in economic, resources, trade and capital policy areas at senior management levels.

The Commission is supported by the staff in the Office of the Commission seconded from Northern Territory Treasury. The Commission also engages the services of consultants as needed.