The UTT is a public benefit organisation that enjoys tax exempt status in terms of section 18A of the Income Tax Act of 1962. The UTT is governed by a Trust deed registered in terms of section 6(1) of the Trust Property Control Act, 1998 (Act 57 of 1988). At least three and a maximum of six trustees, nominated collectively by the Department of Minerals, Department of Energy, PASA and the donor companies, sit on the governance board at all times.

The UTT falls within the ambit of the following legislation and their associated regulations: the CEF Act 38 of 1977, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 and the Minerals Act 58 of 1962.