Florida moved a step closer today to reforming the agency that approves increases to your electric bill.
In an overwhelming 39-1 vote, the Florida Senate approved a bill that would make members of the Public Service Commission wait four years before lobbying the commission on behalf of utilities that are regulated by the PSC. It also would put commission members under the same ethical standards as judges.
Other provisions would require all written electronic communications by commission staff to be posted on the PSC Web site within 72 hours after transmission. It would also extend the term of the commission's public counsel from two years to four years. The public counsel represents the public when power companies ask for rate increases.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Fasano of New Port Richey, still must pass the state House, where it is still in committee. Fasano said the bill would take effect July 1, so it would not affect current members of the commission.
"For a change, the consumer will be represented on the commission," Fasano said as he introduced the bill this afternoon.
Gov. Charlie Crist said this morning he would sign the bill if it passes the House.
For years critics have charged that the commission is too cozy with the utilities it regulates. The most recent headlines involved a top PSC staffer who went to a Kentucky Derby party last May at the home of a Florida Power & Light executive. At the time, the electric company had rate issues pending before the Public Service Commission.
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