Electricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik Resigns, Sparks Leadership Transition

“Ms Kominik has led significant reforms in the electricity sector and I am confident they will build a more secure and affordable electricity market for consumers,” said Energy Minister Simon Watts.

In a significant development for New Zealand's energy sector, Electricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik has announced her resignation. Energy Minister Simon Watts confirmed the decision, commending Kominik for her leadership during a transformative period in the electricity industry.

A Tenure Marked by Reform

Anna Kominik’s tenure as Chair of the Electricity Authority has been defined by a series of crucial reforms aimed at creating a more secure, competitive, and affordable electricity market. Appointed to lead the Authority during a time of increasing pressure on New Zealand’s electricity infrastructure, Kominik helped steer the sector through complex challenges, including supply security, market volatility, and regulatory transformation.

“Ms Kominik has led significant reforms in the electricity sector and I am confident they will build a more secure and affordable electricity market for consumers,” said Energy Minister Simon Watts. He acknowledged her role in improving regulatory oversight and guiding the Authority's strategic direction.

Departure Linked to New Opportunity and Review Milestone

Kominik’s decision to resign was reportedly influenced by a new professional opportunity, along with a belief that the timing is right, especially in the wake of the recent Frontier Economics Review of Electricity Market Performance. That independent report examined how well New Zealand’s electricity market functions, providing a key benchmark for future improvements.

She will remain in the Chair role until a suitable successor is appointed, ensuring continuity of leadership during this transitional phase.

Launch of a Board-Led Organisational Review

Before stepping down, Kominik will initiate a Board-led review of the Electricity Authority’s organisational structure and capabilities. This review aims to align the Authority with the Government’s broader energy policy objectives, particularly in light of the recommendations emerging from the Frontier Economics Review.

Energy Minister Simon Watts emphasized the significance of this step: “Following the Frontier report, the Government has signalled a commitment to strengthen the Authority’s enforcement capacity and analytical capability. The Electricity Authority Board will commission the report and will work with Government on the recommendations early in 2026.”

This planned review is expected to examine internal operations, staffing, regulatory frameworks, and alignment with the Authority’s expanded mandate.

Strengthening the Pro-Competitive Mandate

The Government’s recent policy direction underscores a renewed focus on promoting competition within the electricity sector. The organisational review aims to ensure that the Electricity Authority is structurally and operationally equipped to meet this pro-competitive mandate, while remaining focused on delivering long-term consumer benefits and public value.

“The purpose of the review is to ensure the regulator is able to deliver on its widened pro-competitive mandate, while at the same time being anchored in consumer benefit and public value,” Watts noted.

This aligns with growing concerns among consumers and businesses about energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability — all of which are critical to the national economic agenda.

Recruitment Underway for New Leadership

The search for a new Chair is now underway. The Government has announced that all current vacancies on the Authority will be publicly advertised through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website under the “Current Board Vacancies” section.

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, as the next phase of electricity market reform will require leadership with a strong grasp of regulatory strategy, energy policy, and consumer-centered governance.

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Anna Kominik’s departure marks a pivotal point for the Electricity Authority. As the Government seeks to implement reforms based on the Frontier Review, and with growing public demand for accountability in the energy sector, the incoming Chair will inherit both significant challenges and opportunities. The leadership transition will likely shape the trajectory of New Zealand’s energy policy for years to come.