Essential Energy managing director Terri Benson will leave the company by the end of the month after 14 years with the company.

State government reforms merged NSW’s electricity distribution network, which resulted in the management reshuffle.

Mrs Benson lost her job to Endeavour Energy chief executive officer Vince Graham, who will take over Ausgrid management as well.

From July 1, the operations of Essential Energy will be managed by Gary Humphreys, who will take on the role of chief operating officer on an interim basis.

Mr Humphries is already an Essential Energy executive based in Port Macquarie.

Mrs Benson said the highlight of her career was leading the company for the past two years.

“My top priority has always been to keep our employees and customers safe, because this is an organisation where people do matter,” she said. “In the last two years, there has been significant industry and organisational change, and during this time my focus has always been on ensuring we deliver value for money essential services that our local communities rely on.

“Like all of the Essential Energy team, I live and work in regional NSW, and have really enjoyed my time for the last six years in Port Macquarie.”

Mrs Benson will look for work outside the energy company.

In the meantime, Mrs Benson said it would be “be good to take time to enjoy all the great things Port has to offer with my husband Ken and our girls”.