This bill amends the regulations governing the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, specifically addressing the term of the chair and the qualifications for commission members. It establishes that the chair of the commission will be elected annually from among its members and clarifies that a member cannot continue to serve as chair after their term as a commissioner expires, even if they remain in office under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill limits the chair to a maximum of three successive terms and allows for re-election after a one-year hiatus.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement for commission membership, stipulating that at least one member must reside in a rural community served by an electric utility that benefits from power cost equalization. The qualifications for appointment as a commissioner remain stringent, requiring legal, engineering, or relevant academic credentials along with practical experience. The bill also includes a transition provision ensuring that current members of the commission can continue to serve until their terms expire, while future appointments will adhere to the new residency requirement.

Statutes affected:
HB0175A, AM HB 175, introduced 04/09/2025: 42.04.010, 42.04.020, 42.45.100, 42.45.150