Board Member-New Westminster Utility Commission

Newwestcity; New Westminster; On-site; CAD 2,000 - 5,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New Westminster is seeking applications for a Board Member position on its Utility Commission. This public service role involves overseeing the management of the New Westminster Electric Utility, ensuring compliance with regulations, and contributing to strategic priorities such as customer experience and operational excellence. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in governance, business, or public policy, and are encouraged to apply, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

Small honorarium for service

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of board governance and responsibilities.
• Experience in legal, business, financial, or regulatory sectors.
• Past board member experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide management of the Utility.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Advocate for the Utility and support its success.

Skills

Board Governance

Decision-Making

Oversight

Education

Relevant education in business, law, or public policy

Job description

Board Member – New Westminster Utility Commission

Public Service Appointment Opportunity

The City of New Westminster invites applications from the public to serve on its Utility Commission Board. Board members are appointed to an initial three-year term, with the possibility of an extension. This is a public service opportunity, appointed through an Order in Council.

The New Westminster Electric Utility plays a vital role in our community, purchasing and distributing energy to approximately 40,000 residential and commercial customers within City boundaries. Our infrastructure includes three 69 KV substations with a capacity of 200MVA. In addition, the Utility provides essential services such as billing, collection, customer support, and the construction and maintenance of the electrical distribution system and a dark fibre optic network. The utility’s commitment to climate action is driven by the Climate Action Team, which develops and implements policies, programs, and partnerships aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting equity within the community. With a dedicated team of 42 employees and annual revenues of $67.7 million, the Utility is recognized for its innovation, leadership, and positive employee relations.

Under the policy direction of City Council, the Board of Commissioners oversees and guides management of the Utility with a focus on the strategic priorities of Customer Experience; Operational Excellence; Innovation in Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation; and Financial Sustainability & Stewardship. In addition, the Board ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, assesses management performance, represents and advocates for the Utility and supports an atmosphere that contributes to the success of the Utility.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of board governance, including roles, responsibilities, and the ability to contribute effectively to decision-making and oversight. Ideal candidates will possess the necessary education and professional experience, along with expertise in areas such as legal, business, financial, regulatory, and customer service typically gained through a senior managerial position. Preferred qualifications also include experience in planning, design, asset management, or operations within an electric utility, the energy sector, public policy, dark fibre telecommunications networks, or alternative energy innovation.

Consideration will be given to qualified individuals with a broad range of backgrounds in community, labour and business environments. The selection process will recognize lived experience and volunteer roles as well as paid employment and academic achievements. Past experience serving as a board member is considered an asset.

To support strong boards that reflect the diversity of our community, women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who may contribute to diversity in public sector board appointments are encouraged to put their names forward for appointments.

This is a public service role for which a small honorarium is provided in recognition of service to the community.