Energy Regulator Chair extended and new Deputy Chair appointed

The Australian Government has today reappointed Ms Clare Savage as the Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Mr Justin Oliver has been appointed as Deputy Chair.

The Australian Energy Regulator plays a critical role in energy market management and compliance, making sure energy companies play by the rules, assessing investments to avoid gold-plating, and protecting energy consumers.

To support the Australian Energy Regulator to continue to put consumers first, the Albanese Government invested an additional $16.6 million in the 2024-25 Budget to boost capacity and information resources for households on energy choices.

Ms Savage has been appointed for a further 3 years as AER Chair after being first appointed in 2019 and is the first AER Chair to be re-appointed. Through her leadership, the AER has matured into a high-performing regulator committed to ensuring energy consumers are better off now and in the future.

Over the last 25 years, Clare has gained vast experience in the public sector and energy industry including at the Energy Security Board, EnergyAustralia, Energy Supply Association of Australia and The Treasury.

Mr Oliver has more than 30 years’ experience as a competition and regulatory lawyer and in both federal and state governments. He was initially appointed as an AER Commonwealth Member in February 2020.

Justin was previously the head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s regulatory law practice, advising on all aspects of energy, communications and transport regulation.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the AER had a vital role in ensuring consumers pay no more than necessary for energy to their homes and businesses.

“I congratulate Clare on her reappointment as Chair and Justin on becoming Deputy Chair,” Minister Bowen said.

“I am confident they will continue their crucial work making sure consumers are protected and can make informed energy choices.”

Mr Oliver will replace Mr James Cox as AER Deputy Chair in June when Mr Cox’s term expires.