§ 39-1-4. Composition of commission €” Terms €” Vacancies.

(a) The public utilities commission shall consist of three (3) electors selected with regard to their qualifications and experience in law and government, energy matters, economics and finance, engineering and accounting, and appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The term of each commissioner shall be six (6) years. The director of administration, with the approval of the governor, shall allocate the position of each commissioner to one of the grades established by the pay plan for unclassified employees.

(b) During the month prior to the expiration of the term of a commissioner, the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate shall appoint a commissioner to succeed the commissioner whose term will then next expire, to serve for a term of six (6) years commencing on the first day of March then next following, and until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. A commissioner shall be eligible to succeed him or herself. Upon the expiration of the term of the chairperson, the governor may designate any commissioner as chairperson.

(c) A vacancy in the office of a commissioner, other than by expiration, shall be filled in like manner as an original appointment, but only for the unexpired portion of the term. If a vacancy occurs when the senate is not in session, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy, but only until the senate shall next convene and give its advice and consent to a new appointment.