The State Journal tells us that PSC Chairman Michael Albert "appointed" a new Consumer Advocate today.
The Consumer Advocate is supposed to represent YOUR interests, little ratepayer. The Consumer Advocate is supposed to be an "independent" division of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, created back in the 1980s. The advocate's duties are set out under WV Code.
However, there's no actual language regarding any "appointment" in the code. After all, what kind of an idiot would allow a guy who used to represent utility interests (some argue that he still does) to appoint someone to represent the interests of consumers? The PSC has been advertising the job of Director of the Consumer Advocate Division all summer. And now Chairman Albert has "appointed" someone under authority granted in some obscure PSC Orders from 1980/81.
This begs the question... how is the Consumer Advocate Division "independent" from the PSC, when the PSC controls the Director's employment?
And does this mean that the Governor's Office is soon going to be advertising for the job of Public Service Commissioner? Sweet!
Anyhow, let's hope our new "advocate" starts representing our interests real soon.... and fixes that ridiculously unprofessional website. Maybe she has her own chili recipe that will help consumers.
The Consumer Advocate is supposed to represent YOUR interests, little ratepayer. The Consumer Advocate is supposed to be an "independent" division of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, created back in the 1980s. The advocate's duties are set out under WV Code.
However, there's no actual language regarding any "appointment" in the code. After all, what kind of an idiot would allow a guy who used to represent utility interests (some argue that he still does) to appoint someone to represent the interests of consumers? The PSC has been advertising the job of Director of the Consumer Advocate Division all summer. And now Chairman Albert has "appointed" someone under authority granted in some obscure PSC Orders from 1980/81.
This begs the question... how is the Consumer Advocate Division "independent" from the PSC, when the PSC controls the Director's employment?
And does this mean that the Governor's Office is soon going to be advertising for the job of Public Service Commissioner? Sweet!
Anyhow, let's hope our new "advocate" starts representing our interests real soon.... and fixes that ridiculously unprofessional website. Maybe she has her own chili recipe that will help consumers.
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