The regulator would help safeguard consumers as the WA electricity and gas markets move from monopolies to more competitive market structures, according to deputy premier, Mr Eric Ripper.
The WA Government was embarrassed last year after US consulate officials warned about "sovereign risk" after a controversial tariff decision by the Office of Gas Access Regulation (OffGAR) in relation to tariffs on the Epic Energy-owned Dampier to Bunbury gas transmission pipeline.
OffGAR is also in the courts with the owners of the Goldfields pipeline that connects the NW Shelf with Kalgoorlie.
