The Consumer Advocate is presenting his wish list ahead of government’s review of the Public Utilities Act.

The overhaul, a key recommendation from the Muskrat Falls Inquiry, was announced in November and is due to start soon.

Watchdog Dennis Browne says the timing is critical as the latest target date for full commissioning nears in March.

Browne is seeking several key changes to the Act, such as naming board members who have some expertise with utilities.

He says that’s not a requirement for appointees to the Public Utilities Board in this province, saying most have no background in best utility practice, describing their terms as “on-the-job training.”

Browne says the 10-year terms for board members, which can be renewed, should be reduced to 3 or 4 years.

He’s also seeking a cap on yearly budgets for Newfoundland Power and NL Hydro.

Browne added he’ll be surprised if full commissioning of Muskrat Falls occurs, as planned, in March, given repeated software problems.