Justice Minister announces appointment of consumer advocate

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis M. Browne as the consumer advocate for the Public Utilities Board hearings.

Mr. Browne, Q.C., was appointed in 1996 to represent the consumer interest in a hearing by Newfoundland Light and Power to determine its rate base. In 1998, he was again appointed as consumer advocate in a hearing regarding Newfoundland Light and Power's rate of return and capital structure.

He is a senior partner in the law firm Browne, Fitzgerald, Morgan and Avis. His background in administrative law will assist in his role before the Public Utilities Board as consumer advocate.

Government is appointing a consumer advocate to represent consumer views in upcoming Public Utilities Board hearings into a general rate application by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The hearings are anticipated to commence this fall.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2001 06 19                                                      3:55 p.m.