The Kentucky Senate has approved a bill to expand the Public Service Commission without a provision opposed by advocacy groups.
Senate Bill 8 was approved on Friday by a vote of 30 to 5. It did not pass with a limit on the participation of advocacy groups in PSC cases.
The original bill would have sidelined groups such as the Sierra Club from intervening on behalf of utility customers in rate cases. It would have designated the state attorney general’s office as the consumer advocate, a function it currently has.
The Sierra Club and other groups have intervened in a variety of utility rate cases, including recent electricity rate cases. The cost of electricity has risen in Kentucky and many other states.
SB 8 still would expand the PSC from three members to five. The state auditor, not the governor, would appoint the two additional members. The PSC also would be moved under the auditor’s office, giving the governor’s office less control over the commission.
The governor appoints the PSC’s three current members, with the approval of the state Senate. The PSC currently falls under the Energy and Environment Cabinet. That department’s secretary is appointed by the governor as well.
The auditor and the attorney general are elected by Kentucky voters.
The Kentucky commission has recently approved rate increases by Kentucky Power and Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, though smaller than the companies filed.
A decision is pending on rates for East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
LG&E and KU is a financial supporter of WEKU.
