Our Structure

The ERN

The members decide collectively what actions or projects to initiate. The ERN has undertaken joint studies, held joint approaches to stakeholders and organised public events.

The ERN can also put in place a joint-working group on a particular matter of concern. In areas of interest for a limited number of members, the ERN has typically set up sub-groups.

Discussion and information exchange is the main purpose of the ERN, and its main value lies in bringing the organisations closer together which allows better cooperation and more joint-up thinking.

Brian McHugh

Chairperson

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

Brian McHugh is the chairperson of the CCPC. As well as collegiate decision making with other Members on all aspects of the organisation, he currently oversees the HR and Organisational Development division.

He was appointed as a Member of the CCPC in September 2017. Prior to this he spent 15 years in Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator, the body responsible for both regulating and protecting the interests of consumers within the gas, electricity and water utility industries in Northern Ireland. During his time at the Utility Regulator, Brian led the design and implementation of competition to expand the gas network in Northern Ireland. He also oversaw the DS3 project, which increased the capacity of electricity systems to manage more renewable energy sources. Brian holds a BA in Economics from Trinity College, Dublin, and an MSc in Energy Economics from the University of Surrey.