The saga of the Florida Public Service Commission took another turn Tuesday as commissioners formally accepted the resignation of Executive Director Timothy Devlin, submitted Monday under pressure from the five-member board.
Commission Chairman Art Graham, who reportedly helped to push Devlin out, praised his 35-year tenure with the PSC.
For 35 years, he has steadily increased in importance to this organization. Tim had a full, successful career at the PSC, rising all the way to the very top, Graham said.
Devlins resignation comes nearly 17 months after he was appointed as executive director, in which he attempted to steady the PSC while six commissioners were appointed as the Legislature and former Gov. Charlie Crist tussled over control of the board.
Among the many achievements he's had that he can look back on, maybe the most impressive that he's had as executive director is that he transitioned six new commissioners into their job in over a year, Graham said of Devlin.
Devlin did not attend Tuesday's meeting.
Graham himself has been serving on the commission for less than a year, after being appointed by Crist in July 2010. His current term will end in January 2014.
Commissioner Eduardo Balbis was appointed to the board to replace Nancy Argenziano, who resigned in October 2010 to help campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink. His four-year term will end on January 1, 2015.
Commissioner Julie Brown took her seat on the board in January, following the end of Nathan Skops term on the commission, which saw the PSC sued by Florida Power & Light Co. for his alleged bias against the electric utility. The suit had held up all FPL agenda items before the PSC for several months. Browns four-year term began in January.
Devlin was named executive director in January 2010, replacing Mary Bane.
A day later, on Wednesday, commissioners decided against a proposal by Chairman Art Graham to appoint General Counsel Curt Kiser as temporary executive director of the PSC. Devlins resignation becomes effective July 1.
Commissioner Julie Brown will head up a nominating commission to find a new executive director.
Meanwhile, the PSC attempted to get back to work Tuesday, conducting its regularly scheduled meeting, but two items dealing with reducing energy efficiency goals for Progress Energy and FPL were postponed.
The PSC did take on other business, agreeing to a settlement offer from Associated Telecommunications Management Services over alleged violations of the Lifeline Assistance program designed to provide telephone service to low-income households. Under the agreement ATMS will pay $4 million into the states general revenue fund.
Commissioners also heard more than three hours of testimony from upset customers of Aqua Utilities, a water utility seeking a $4.1 million rate increase for capital improvements. A series of customers complained of high monthly bills, poor water quality and poor customer service.
Aqua has 16,357 water customers and 6,789 wastewater customers in 17 counties in Florida. In addition to customer complaints, commissioners also heard from Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, a representative of Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, and Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, asking them to deny the request.
Reach Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
