The Australian Energy Regulator is seeking Expressions of Interest from individuals to apply to be a member of the Consumer Challenge Panel (CCP).
The AER is establishing the CCP as part of reforms to ensure that decisions on network costs properly incorporate consumers’ interests. The CCP will sit within the AER, providing expert advice as part of the AER’s assessment of energy network businesses’ spending and regulatory proposals.
“The CCP will have the distinct role of engaging with network businesses' proposals and advising the AER through the regulatory determination process, ensuring our decisions reflect the long term interests of consumers,” AER Chairman Andrew Reeves said.
“We are seeking to ensure that consumers’ views, particularly those of residential and small business consumers, are properly considered throughout these technical and complex processes.”
The CCP forms part of the AER’s Better Regulation reform program and was a key component of the Council of Australian Governments’ energy reform agenda agreed on 7 December 2012.
The AER will appoint individuals to the CCP by 1 July 2013 for a term of three years. Individuals with regulatory or energy (or similar regulated utility sector) experience and expertise should consider applying to be a member of the CCP. Members appointed to the CCP will be paid for their services.
For information on the application process and to submit an Expression of Interest application, visit the Australian Government Tender System, AusTender (www.tenders.gov.au). Prospective candidates should consider the description of the CCP, its Charter and application requirements. Applications must be received by 5pm AEST on Monday 29 April 2013.