Ian Mickel AM first joined Horizon Power as a non-executive director in May 2011 and was chair from 2014 to 2018. Mr Mickel was instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction which culminated in the achievement of a reduction in its subsidy from government of $100 million a year 16 months ahead of schedule. He was also on the ground actively supporting Horizon Power and his community when the Esperance bushfires devastated the region in 2015, claiming lives, property and livestock. Mr Mickel championed Horizon's focus on innovation which included the rapid deployment of the first utility-grade standalone power systems in Esperance at the properties of customers at the end of long spur lines which were burnt down in the fires. The installation of advanced meters across Horizon's network, which allows the innovation in the form of new payment plans and energy efficiency apps, was another significant achievement. Mr Mickel was awarded the Local Government Medal in 2005 for his outstanding achievement, dedication and contribution to Local Government and to the WA Local Government Association. He was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day 2007 Honours list for his service to local government and the WA Local Government Association.
