Consumer Director, Board of Directors – Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria

Are you passionate about the interests of consumers?
Do you know and follow the issues facing Victorian electricity, gas and water consumers?
Do you believe consumers should have access to free, independent and fair assistance to resolve disputes with electricity, gas or water companies?

The Essential Services Commission is seeking to appoint an experienced and knowledgeable Consumer Director to join the Board of Directors of the Energy and Water Ombudsman of Victoria (EWOV).

EWOV is a free and independent service that helps to resolve complaints between Victorian consumers and their electricity, gas and water companies. It is governed by a board of directors with an independent chair and equal numbers of industry and consumer representatives.

This non-executive position plays a critical role in ensuring effective oversight of the provision of dispute resolution services in electricity, gas, water and embedded networks in Victoria. The successful candidate will have close connections to Victorian consumer organisations as well as expertise in alternative dispute resolution approaches and/or policy implications of the transition to net zero in the energy and water sectors.

We are now inviting applications for a 3-year consumer director role, effective July 2023.

The board meets six times a year for around 2–3 hours per meeting with directors also attending committee meetings held about once a year.
Director’s fees are paid quarterly at $25,708 p.a + superannuation.
Applicants should be from groups representing electricity, gas or water consumers, or groups raising public interest issues relevant to these essential services.

Key responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and input on the key issues facing the energy and water sector in Victoria.
Ensure that the needs and interests of consumers are at the forefront of EWOV’s work, including by identifying trends and insights to help inform discussions.
Provide expert advice on alternative dispute resolution approaches to resolve disputes between industry participants and consumers of energy and water services.
Monitor policy developments related to the transition to net zero in the energy and water sector, and provide input on how EWOV should engage with, and respond to, such developments.

Requirements

Current understanding of, and high-level experience in dealing with, general consumer concerns and issues, in particular those of domestic, small and medium-sized business, low-income, non-English speaking and regional (rural and town) consumers.
Understanding of, and experience in, alternative dispute resolution principles and methods.
Experience in corporate governance, with board experience an advantage.
Clear understanding of the policy implications of the transition to net zero and/or expertise in alternative dispute resolution would be an advantage.
Effective communication skills and a collaborative working style.
A commitment to consumers, and an understanding of the importance of the Energy and Water Ombudsman's role in ensuring fair and transparent energy and water markets.
Understanding of the regulatory and policy landscape in Victoria for energy and water, including the regulatory framework and key policy priorities.

To apply, send a covering letter and current resume to communication@esc.vic.gov.au by 26 May 2023, setting out how you meet the requirements of the role.

Call John Hamill (03) 9032 1381 or email communication@esc.vic.gov.au if you have any questions.

Consumer Directors for the EWOV board are appointed by the Essential Services Commission, Victoria’s independent economic regulator.