[ First paragraph effective until April 10, 2007. For text effective April 10, 2007, see below.]
Section 2. The department shall be under the supervision and control of a commission consisting of five members, one of whom shall have a background and expertise in electricity and energy issues, including issues related to natural gas, one of whom shall have a background and expertise in telecommunications issues, one of whom shall have a background and expertise in consumer protection and advocacy issues, and one of whom shall have a background and expertise in cable television issues. Beginning January 1, 1998, the commissioners shall be appointed by the governor for a term of three years; provided, however, that the initial term of appointment for two members shall be one year, the initial term of appointment for two members shall be two years, and the initial term of appointment for one member who shall be designated the chairman by the governor shall be three years. Each member shall hold office until the appointment and qualifications of his successor. The governor may remove any member for cause, including, but not limited to, any violation of the provisions of section 3, and shall fill any vacancy for the unexpired term. The commissioners shall devote their full time to the duties of their office. The governor shall designate one of said commissioners as chairman. Not more than three members of said commission shall be members of the same political party. Except as otherwise provided for in section 4, any decision made or order issued by the commission may be made by majority vote of a quorum of three members. In this chapter, said commission shall be called "the commission''.
[ First paragraph as amended by 2007, 19, Sec. 22 effective April 10, 2007. See 2007, 19, Sec. 54. For text effective until April 10, 2007, see above.]
The department shall be under the supervision and control of the commonwealth utilities commission, in this chapter called the commission, which shall consist of 3 members, 2 of whom shall be appointed and may be removed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs for a term coterminous with that of the governor. The third member shall be appointed and may be removed by the secretary for a term of 4 years. The secretary shall designate one commissioner as chairman, who shall serve as chairman for 2 years, and may be reappointed, unless removed as chairman by the secretary, with the approval of the governor. Commission members shall have background or expertise in electricity or natural gas matters. Any appointment or removal by the secretary under this section shall require the approval of the governor. The commissioners shall devote their full time to the duties of their office. Not more than 2 members of the commission shall be members of the same political party. Any decision made or order issued by the commission may be made by majority vote of a quorum of 2 members.
The initial base salary of the chairman of the commission shall be $90,000, and the initial base salary of the other members shall be $82,500. Said salaries shall be subject to step increases consistent with the provisions of sections 45 and 46C of chapter 30. The members shall receive necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
The commission shall make an annual report of its activities in January of each year to the general court.