Bill to Expand and Elect Public Service Commission Revised, Now Calls for Study

A Senate bill aimed at expanding the Kentucky Public Service Commission to seven members, elected by the people, has been altered in House committee. The bill now calls for creation of a legislative task force to study the issue and make recommendations for next year.That’s fine, says Representative Keith Hall of Phelps, the bill’s House sponsor.“The makeup currently is three senators and three house members, to be chaired by the Energy Committee, which I chair the House side, Brandon Smith chairs the Senate side. And we’ll make that more all-inclusive - maybe add more members, more consumer groups, business. They’re all welcome to the table," he says.The bill now moves to the House floor. Right now, the PSC is comprised of three members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Public service commissions in at least 13 states are elected by the people.