Utilities Disputes announces new Board

This is a supplied media release.

Utilities Disputes Ltd, formerly the Office of the Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner (EGCC), has announced its newly appointed Board of Directors. 

Utilities Disputes succeeded the EGCC on November 1, 2016. It will provide high quality dispute resolution in a wide range of scenarios, including ‘one big bill’ with electricity, gas, and broadband; land access; and multiple connectivity among others.

“We are pleased to announce the members of the Board who will serve at a time of change and growth,” said Utilities Disputes Chair, Hon. Heather Roy.

The Utilities Disputes Board is:

• Hon. Heather Roy – Independent Chair
• Nicky Darlow - Independent Director
• Dr Brian McCulloch - Independent Director
• Major Campbell Roberts - Director (Consumer)
• Greg Skelton (CE, Wellington Electricity) - Director (Industry)

Heather Roy, Independent Chair, has served on the Board since 2014.  She was a Member of Parliament for 2002 – 2011.  As Minister of Consumer Affairs (2008-10) she was involved in consumer law reform and the approval of EGCC as the regulated scheme for the electricity and gas sectors. 

Nicky Darlow, Independent Director, has a background in community development, consultation and dispute resolution.  She has been a lay member and consumer representative on a variety of boards and panels.

Dr. Brian McCulloch, Independent Director, has a portfolio of consulting roles and is an independent member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.  He held a wide variety of leadership roles across a range of portfolios in The Treasury for over 25 years, including as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  

Major Campbell Roberts, Director (Consumer), is the Founding National Director of Social Policy for The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. He has been a member of various government task forces, boards, working parties, and local government forums around a range of social issues and policies affecting New Zealand life. 

Greg Skelton, Director (Industry), has been the Chief Executive of Wellington Electricity since April 2009. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive, Greg was the Chief Executive of Alpine Energy Limited and has held various senior management roles in the electricity industry.  Greg has 30 years of experience in the fields of production engineering, electrical engineering and business management.  

“With the oversight of the Board, we look forward to Utilities Disputes’ continued success in offering quality, independent and fair dispute resolution for consumers and providers, along with new success in expanding our dispute resolution range,” said Mrs Roy.