Utilities regulator offers bright idea: Put it in writing!
by Dara Kam | September 11th, 2009Public Service Commissioner Katrina McMurrian offered what appears to be a simple solution to the troubled regulators and staff caught in a web of secret messages with utility company execs and lawyers.
Put it in writing.
McMurrian issued a proposal late Friday evening suggesting that the quasi-judicial panel should act more like…judges to restore the public’s trust.
In 1992, a statewide grand jury found that “the manner in which utilities communicate with the PSC is in need of reform.” That was long before Blackberries and text messages revolutionized communications, but, to McMurrian at least, the shoe still fits.
McMurrian proposed that no commissioner or staff “shall engage in communications with parties, interested persons, or stakeholders except in writing.” That would include “all procedural matters, docketed matters, rulemaking proceedings, declaratory statements, workshops, non-docketed matters and matters for deliberation at Internal Affairs,” she wrote.
And, she suggested, all the communications should be posted on the PSC’s website for the public to read.
Today Sen. Mike Fasano asked that a Florida Power & Light $1.3 billion rate increase hearing scheduled to resume Wednesday and a Progress Energy Florida $500 million rate increase case set for the following Monday be delayed indefinitely.
McMurrian and Chairman Matthew Carter are both included in a list of six nominees give to Gov. Charlie Crist earlier this month. He has until Oct. 1 to pick one and the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, on which Fasano sits, must confirm his choice.
“Respectfully, I ask my fellow commissioners for their support of this proposal. I would also like to let the public know that we hear you and want to earn back your trust,” McMurrian’s proposal concluded.
Tags: Charlie Crist, Florida Power & Light, FPL, Katrina McMurrian, Mike Fasano, PSC, Public Service Commission
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September 11th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Now that is a good idea. I just read the entire proposal, and it seems like every state agency should follow it in dealing with the companies they regulate. There is too much behind the scenes stuff in Tallahassee. Communicating in writing at least puts the agency’s actions in the Sunshine. And if you violate the rules, you lose your job and you pension.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Of all people, Commissioner McMurrian wants the PSC commissioners to act like judges?
That’s rich, given that Ms. McMurrian repeatedly and privately socialized with utility execs that she’s supposed to regulate.
Sorry, but judges don’t dine with parties who have cases before them.
September 12th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Dear “lawyer”:
You are and idiot. Judges don’t socialize with attorneys who appear before them, please. What world do you live in?
September 13th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Thanks Commissioner McMurrian. The public should be informed of all communications between regulated utilities and individuals who are put in positions to protect the public’s interests.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Commissioner McMurrian is on the right track. I pray that this proposal is embraced by all – we (the public)are counting on it.
September 14th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
[...] last week proposed that all future communications between the panel and their staff and utility representative… be in writing and posted on the agency’s web [...]
September 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
[...] Katrina McMurrian, who is not involved in the secret message melee, late Friday issued a proposal “to restore the public trust” as controversies involving the agency continue to make daily [...]
September 16th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
[...] Nancy Argenziano fired her aide Larry Williams for giving his PIN number to Smith. PSC Chairman Matthew Carter banned the commissioners and staff from using PINs or other types of messaging that don’t leave a public record. He and Commissioner Lisa Edgar put their aides on paid leave indefinitely until a review of the PINs is complete. The panel is now considering requiring all communications between the PSC and the utilities be in writing. [...]