Govenor: Rate cases may affect PSC appointments
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Gov. Charlie Crist says the outcome of a couple big utility rate cases will help him decide on appointments to the Public Service Commission.
Crist, who opposes base rate increases sought by Florida Power & Light Co. and Progress Energy Florida, said Monday the results will give him “a better handle on who to appoint or reappoint.”
Commission Chairman Matthew Carter and Commissioner Katrina McMurrian are up for reappointment to the five-member panel.
“I’m trying to appoint members that will be sympathetic to the people and the economic challenge that they’re facing,” Crist said. “And so that’s a factor, of course.”
Carter and McMurrian are among six finalists that a nominating commission has forwarded to Crist for the two positions.
Crist also disagreed with a suggestion by state Sen. Mike Fasano to delay the rate cases until investigations are completed into whether the panel has been too cozy with the utilities it regulates.
The latest complaint Monday was against McMurrian. Sarasota resident Richard Unger asked her to step aside from the FPL’s rate case because she had dinner with the utility’s treasurer, Paul Cutler, while participating in a conference in New York City in March.
That was “probably not appropriate,” Crist said.
McMurrian declined comment until after she responds with a written order probably Tuesday. She said due to the fact the rate cases are still pending she also couldn’t respond to the governor’s comments about the pending appointments.
The commission has been in turmoil for the past month over allegations of improper contact between members or staff and FPL officials.