Public may get more say on PSC makeup

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 6, 2003 | by Brice WallaceDeseret News business writer

The public moved a step closer Wednesday to having more of a say about the agency that has the final say on utility issues.

A Senate resolution to have a public hearing on the structure of the Utah Public Service Commission -- including whether the three- member group should be elected rather than appointed -- was adopted Wednesday by a 59-13 vote in the House.

Members of the commission are now appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate for six-year terms. Utah's commission has been appointed since it was formed in 1917. Utah is among 37 states and the District of Columbia with appointed regulators.

Rep. Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City, stressed Wednesday that the bill does not require changes, instead calling only for public discussion on the issues.

"Hopefully, some of the controversy can be put to bed by having a hearing," he said. "Whichever way it turns out, great, let them move forward with that."

But Rep. Chad Bennion, R-Murray, was among those against the resolution.

"While I think we have an appointed Public Service Commission, and the executive branch makes that determination who should fill that position, when you start perhaps looking at ways to change that -- maybe making it, for example, elected -- I think what you introduce into a position that's supposed to look out for the citizens of this state and make good determinations in establishing rates, what you do would be to introduce politics into that situation rather than giving them just the ability to do their jobs," he said.

"I think our Public Service Commission actually does a good job on behalf of the citizens of this state. I know of no controversy regarding the job they've been doing."

But resolution supporters said the public should be heard.

"As I look at this bill, I think it's a good idea just to bring this out to the public and let the public have a say on this," Rep. Neil Hansen, D-Ogden, said.

"Many times the Public Service Commission has employed authority to look at the way our utilities are regulated, and I would think it would be in the best interest of the public to decide who those commissioners are that look out for the best interest of the public. Even though it may be political, I think it's political right now in the sense that they're appointed by the governor."

"It's a way," Rep. Judy Ann Buffmire, D-Salt Lake City, said, "to find out what people think will serve them best, and that's the purpose of this commission."

The Senate's third reading on the issue Jan. 29 resulted in a 20- 7 vote in favor of the hearing. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley City.

PSC Chairman Stephen Mecham has questioned the elected-commission concept, saying it could result in ethical challenges if utilities made campaign contributions to PSC candidates.

And a Questar Gas Co. spokesman has said utilities could be hurt financially if candidates run on platforms promising the lowest rates.

E-MAIL: bwallace@desnews.com