Minister Ryan Appoints Garrett Blaney as New Commissioner to CER
Dublin, 20 January 2010
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, today, announced the appointment of Mr Garrett Blaney to the Commission for Energy Regulation, joining Michael Tutty (chairperson) and Dermot Nolan. Mr. Blaney will serve in the position (of Commissioner) for a period of five years, commencing on 15th February 2010.
Commenting on the appointment Minister Ryan said, “I am very pleased that Garrett Blaney is bringing his strong energy industry and commercial background to the Commission for Energy Regulation. His knowledge and direct experience working at a senior level in the Irish, all-island and international energy markets will strongly complement the CER’s existing expertise in dealing with the competitive, sustainability and security of supply challenges in the energy market”
Mr. Garrett Blaney is a Queens University graduate of electrical engineering and has worked in the energy industry for over 20 years. He worked for the electricity board in England for five years, before joining ESB International in 1992, where he carried out a number of functions including fours years as Asian Regional Director based in Malaysia.
In 2000 Mr. Blaney became Commercial Director for Ireland's first Independent Generator, Huntstown Power, for the Viridian Group. In 2002 he was appointed Strategic Development Director for Viridian with responsibilities for regulatory affairs and policy on an all-island basis.
As a Director with Viridian Mr. Blaney served as Chair of the Energy Providers Group in IBEC and as a member of the IBEC/CBI joint business council steering group, the ESRI energy policy research steering committee, and the UCD Energy Research Centre board.
In addition to its statutory functions in the irish energy market the CER forms part of the all-island Single Electricity Market Committee and will participate actively in the EU Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators to drive the implementation of the new EU Internal Energy Market and the Renewable Energy/Climate Change package.
“I look forward to working with Garrett, his fellow Commissioners and the Directors and staff of CER in creating a sustainable energy future for Ireland” said Minister Ryan.
ENDS