State utility regulators confirmed by Florida Senate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The Florida Senate is confirming two appointments to the panel that regulates Florida utilities.

The Senate voted 33-1 Wednesday to confirm former State Rep. Jimmy Patronis and Julie Brown to the Florida Public Service Commission.

The five-member commission regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas and water utilities. The job pays $131,036 a year.

Patronis is a Panama City Republican. He was forced to leave the Legislature last year due to term limits.

The lone no vote on the appointments came from State Sen. John Legg.

Legislators voted to approve the two appointments even though the PSC has come under fire from some legislators. Some lawmakers have complained that commissioners are too cozy with the utilities that they regulate.

The Legislature may pass a bill that would tighten rules controlling the PSC.