Leura resident, Rod Stowe, has been appointed as a community director to the board of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).
EWON provides a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service for energy, gas and water customers and seeks to improve industry practice.
It can also give advice and guidance to customers who are having difficulty paying their energy or water bills.
The nomination of Mr Stowe, a former NSW Fair Trading commissioner, was supported by consumer group, Choice.
Choice's chief executive officer, Alan Kirkland said: "Rod is held in high esteem in the consumer movement and regulator community from his long career with NSW Fair Trading."
Mr Stowe said that EWON played a vital role for consumers since energy and water services were not discretionary purchases but vital commodities to all households in NSW.
"As a community director, I am looking forward to representing the interests of consumers and small business in the deliberations of the board," he said.
Mr Stowe is no stranger to EWON, having worked closely with the last two ombudsmen when he was the fair trading commissioner. During this period the two agencies cross-referred complaints, exchanged market intelligence and engaged in joint community outreach programs.
Mr Stowe's appointment will become effective from November 8.