Bill > HB475

This bill, known as the "Power to the People Act," significantly reforms the Public Service Commission (PSC) by expanding its membership from three to seven commissioners, with each commissioner representing a specific congressional district and elected by the voters of that district, a change that will be phased in through elections starting in 2026 and concluding by 2032, with commissioners serving six-year terms. It also establishes the new cabinet-level position of Secretary of Energy, appointed by the Governor, who will direct the PSC's activities and set meeting agendas, while the PSC staff will be employed under the Secretary of Energy and the Merit System. Furthermore, the bill prohibits electric utilities from increasing retail base rates before January 1, 2029, and from factoring certain costs, such as those for lobbying or non-public safety advertising, into future rate calculations, while also authorizing formal rate hearings triggered by a vote of five commissioners or the direction of the Secretary of Energy, considering factors like customer rates compared to national and regional averages, customer satisfaction, and grid reliability. The bill also revises election cycles for commissioners, introduces new appointment procedures for vacancies, and strengthens ethics rules by prohibiting utilities from contributing to commissioner candidates and preventing commissioners from representing entities before the Legislature or executive agencies for compensation.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

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