Doug Dell received a scholarship to study at University of Canterbury and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (electrical) in 1957.
He then worked for the State Hydro Electricity Department (later New Zealand Electricity Department, later Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (Electricorp) )
Doug was involved in the development of the HVDC (high voltage direct current) power transmission from Benmore power station in the South Island, across Cook Strait to the Haywards transmission station in the North Island. Doug progressed to senior management roles, and following the deregulation of the Electricity Department in the 1980s, actively contributed to problem resolution at a governance level and provided advice to government on many occasions and across a wide range of subjects.
In 1999, Doug took the role of Director of Mercury Energy/Vector and in 2004 became Commissioner for the Electricity Commission.
