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Delaware Public Service Commission
From Ballotpedia
Contents |
Current officeholders
The current commissioners are Arnetta McRae (chair, appointed 1996), Jaymes B. Lester (appointed 2001), Joann Conway (appointed 2001), Dallas Winslow (appointed 2010), and Jeffrey Clark (appointed 2005).
Authority
The commission's authority is established by state law.[1]
Delaware Code, 26-1-103
| ((a) The Public Service Commission is continued except that it shall consist of only 5 members, each of whom shall have been or shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by a majority of the members elected to the Senate. |
Qualifications
State law does not establish any particular qualifications for commissioners. However, it does require that no more than three commissioners be from the same political party. Additionally, one commissioner must be a resident of the city of Wilmington, one a resident of New Castle County outside of Wilmington, one a resident of Kent County, one a resident of Sussex County, and one an at-large member from anywhere in the state.[1]
Delaware Code, 26-1-103
| (b) Not more than 3 of the members of the Commission shall be members of the same political party. One of the members shall be a resident of the City of Wilmington, 2 shall be residents of New Castle County outside of Wilmington, 1 shall be a resident of Kent County and 1 shall be a resident of Sussex County; provided, however, that beginning with the appointment of the member for a term of 5 years beginning as of May 1, 1976, and continuously thereafter, 1 of the members shall be a resident of the City of Wilmington, 1 shall be a resident of New Castle County outside of Wilmington, 1 shall be a resident of Kent County, 1 shall be a resident of Sussex County and 1 shall be a member at large who shall be a resident of this State. |
Appointments
Commissioners are appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by a majority vote of the state Senate. They serve five year terms which begins May 1 of the year they were appointed.[1]
Term limits
There are no term limits associated with the office of public service commissioner.
Vacancies
If a vacancy occurs, the governor appoints a new officeholder with the consent of the Senate.[1]
Delaware Code, 26-1-103
| (d) In case of a vacancy on the Commission for any reason other than expiration of the term of office, the Governor shall fill such vacancy for the unexpired term by and with the consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate. |
Duties
Public service commissioners are responsible for regulating the state's public utilities -- that is, electric, gas, water and telecommunications companies. Commissioners are responsible for ensuring public safety, "fair" rates for service and a competitive market environment. To that end, the commission holds public hearings at which stakeholders, including utilities, consumers, community activists, etc., may discuss proposed regulations. Commissioners serve on a part-time basis, and are supported by a full-time professional staff.
Compensation
In 2010, public service commissioners received compensation in the amount of $90,920.[2] Their salaries are determined by law.
Contact info
Address:
861 Silver Lake Boulevard
Cannon Building, Suite 100
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 736-7500
See also
- Public Services Commissioner
- Arnetta McRae
- Jaymes B. Lester
- Joann Conway
- Jeffrey Clark
- Dallas Winslow
External links
References
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