After a protracted Federal-State wrangle over the appointment of a chief executive, Steve Edwell has been named inaugural Australian Energy Regulator. He is currently executive director of WA’s electricity reform implementation unit.

In related news Victoria’s essential services commissioner has been appointed the first head of the Australian Energy Markets Commission.

The two new organisations are now expected to be in operation in July this year, more than two years after originally mooted with the AER facing additional delays due to the lack of progress of essential legislation through the South Australian parliament.

Edwell’s confirmation comes after his possible appointment was first reported in November last year. It was strongly supported by Federal resources minister Ian Macfarlane but opposed by NSW energy minister Frank Sartor.

Edwell is a former chief executive of Queensland’s electricity reform unit and Queensland assistant under-treasurer.