Minister O’Dowd appoints members to the Board of the Utility Regulator
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has appointed two new members to the Board of the Utility Regulator.
Sean Hogan, who has extensive experience in utilities, water and public sector governance, will serve a seven-year term on the Board commencing 10th August 2026.
Paul Smith, who has extensive experience in economic regulation, energy markets and consumer policy, will also serve on the Board from 10th August 2026 for seven years.
Notes to editors:
1. The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation, known as the Utility Regulator, is the non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services to protect the short and long-term interests of consumers.
2. The appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland’s Code of Practice. They are part-time roles attracting an annual remuneration of £12,597.68.
3. Mr Sean Hogan was previously Chair of Northern Ireland Water from 2011 to 2015 and was a member of the Board of Ervia, the parent company of Irish Water, Gas Networks Ireland and Aurora Telecoms, from 2015 to 2024. He is currently Chair of WaterRegs UK Ltd and has also held senior board and chair roles across a range of public bodies, including the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, Newry and Mourne Health and Social Services Trust, and DAERA’s Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Partnership.
4. Mr Paul Smith was Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission from 2013 to 2015, having served as a Director from 2010. He served on the Board of the UK Civil Aviation Authority from 2018 to 2024, including a period as joint interim Chief Executive, and was previously Group Director for Consumers and Markets. He is currently a Director at Fingleton, providing strategic regulatory advice to boards, executives and investors across sectors including water, energy and transport.
5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published. Mr Hogan and Mr Smith have declared that they have not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.
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