Regulate this: Panel moves on filling open PSC seat

Your power bill may be going up, but not until after the election.

A state nominating panel has set Jan. 18 for picking the “most qualified” applicants to fill a vacancy on the Florida Public Service Commission. 

Then, on Jan. 25, the Public Service Commission Nominating Council will do interviews, and make a final selection.

Gov. Rick Scott had picked former Rep. Ritch Workman to replace Ronald Brisé on the panel, which regulates investor-owned utilities.

But Workman, a Melbourne Republican, bowed out after a sexual misconduct allegation.

The initial applicants were Rich Glorioso, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who served in the House 2004-12, and Baldwyn English, who had been Brisé’s chief advisor for the last seven years.

Applications received this week by the council are from:

— Robert Bennett of Pensacola, a former “green energy” executive;

— Erik Sayler of Tallahassee, the state’s associate public counsel;

— Eric Saidel, a Tampa-based plaintiffs’ attorney and consumer advocate; and

— David Walsh of Winter Springs, an investment advisor and University of Central Florida trustee.

The full-time PSC position, based in Tallahassee, pays $132,036 a year. Scott’s pick must get Senate approval. The deadline to apply is this Friday, Jan. 12.