The Utilities Regulatory Authority (Authority) is established as an independent regulator of electricity and water services in Vanuatu. Its primary purpose is to ensure utilities charge an affordable and reasonable rate of electricity or water tariff to their customers while also ensuring the viability of the utility companies.

A utility, by definition under the URA Act, is a person who supplies electricity or water to a consumer for payment and includes its related entity. A utility can be a concessionaire, the Government or a private company supplying electricity and water to customers.

Under the Act the Authority sets the maximum price of electricity and water which a utility can charge to its customers. The Authority also acts as a mediator between utility customers and utility to resolve any dispute a customer has with respect to an aspect of a regulated service (e.g : electricity or water billing, safety issues etc.)