Public Utilities Board

Contact Information

Chairperson
Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board

Function

The Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board regulates the public utilities under its jurisdiction by reviewing the affairs, earnings and accounts of each public utility.

Jurisdiction

Government of the Northwest Territories

Authority

Public Utilities Act (NWT)

Board Composition

The Board consists of five members and not more than six temporary members.

Alternate Members

The legislation does not provide for the appointment of alternate members on the Board. It does, however, allow for temporary members to perform the same duties and exercise the same powers as a member. 

Chairperson

The Minister, on the recommendation of the Executive Council, shall designate a member of the Board, other than a temporary member, to be the Chairperson.

Vice-Chairperson

The Minister, on the recommendation of the Executive Council, shall designate a member of the Board, other than a temporary member, to be the Vice-Chairperson.

Quorum

Quorum is three members who are not temporary members.

Appointment Instrument

Members are appointed by the Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board, on the recommendation of the Executive Council, under section 4 of the Public Utilities Act (NWT).

Term Duration

A member holds office during pleasure for a term not exceeding five years; a temporary member holds office as specified in the appointment.

Time and Travel Requirements

The Board holds hearings as necessary in places as it chooses and in a manner that ensures that an application is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

Remuneration

The members of the Board, except the Chairperson, shall be paid the honoraria that are prescribed for their respective duties.

Category - Regulatory

Member - up to $325 per day

Members – 50% per half-day (i.e., 3.5 hours or less), for work on board business for each day of meetings

Other Considerations

The Chairperson serves as the chief executive officer and manages the business of the Board and supervises the staff.

The Minister, on the recommendation of the Chairperson, shall appoint a secretary to the Board.

The Board may make rules respecting its sittings and procedures.

The Minister may designate a public servant to assist the Board in the administration of its affairs.

The Board may engage persons having special or technical knowledge necessary to assist the Board in carrying out its functions.

The Executive Council may issue directives to the Board respecting policies to be applied by the Board and the general performance of its duties.

Current Membership

1. Chair Gordon Van Tighem 2024-04-01 2026-03-31 4th term
2. Vice-Chair Tina Gargan 2022-08-05 2025-08-04 2nd term
3. Member Danny Yakelaya 2024-03-27 2026-03-26 4th term
4. Member Joseph Auge 2024-03-11 2026-03-10 2nd term
5. Member Myra Berrub 2022-05-30 2025-05-29 2nd term

(Board details as of Aug 06, 2024)