(a) The three (3) commissioners shall be professional engineers licensed in Puerto Rico, and preferably holding a master’s or doctoral degree in engineering, or lawyers authorized to practice, or professionals preferably holding a master’s or doctoral degree in economy, planning, or finances or professionals preferably holding a master’s or doctoral degree in energy-related fields. Not more than two (2) commissioners may practice the same profession. In addition to the education and professional requirements, the three (3) commissioners of the Energy Commission shall have at least five (5) years of experience and be knowledgeable in energy-related matters, and at least ten (10) years of experience practicing their professions.
(b) Commissioners shall not have any direct or indirect proprietary interest in the juridical persons subject to the jurisdiction of the Energy Commission or the Commonwealth Energy Public Policy Office, or in entities within or without Puerto Rico affiliated to or with interest in said juridical persons.
(c) No commissioner may participate in any matter or dispute in which a party to such matter or dispute is a natural or juridical person with whom he/she has had a contractual, professional, work, or fiduciary relation within two (2) years before his/her appointment. Furthermore, no commissioner shall represent, after ceasing his/her functions, any person or entity before the Commission within two (2) years following his/her separation from office. Any actions taken by a commissioner in discharging his/her duties shall be subject to the restrictions provided in §§ 1854 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Puerto Rico Government Ethics Act of 2011”.
(d) The first commissioners appointed by virtue of this chapter shall hold their office for the following terms: the Chair shall hold office for six (6) years, one commissioner for four (4) years; and one commissioner for two (2) years. The successors of all commissioners shall be appointed for six (6) years. Any person designated to fill a vacancy shall be appointed for the remainder of the unexpired term of the commissioner being replaced. Upon the expiration of the term of office of any commissioner, he/she may continue carrying out his/her duties until his/her successor is appointed or up to six (6) months after the expiration date of his/her term. Terms shall begin as of the expiration date of the preceding term. Commissioners may only be removed for just cause.
(e) The Commission shall hold at least three (3) public meetings every month, notify in advance the date of the holding thereof, and broadcast them live on the Commission’s website. The minutes of the public meetings shall be posted on the Commission’s website to be freely accessed by the people.
(f) Each commissioner shall be entitled to select, and require the Administrator of PREA to hire and appoint, one (1) administrative assistant and one (1) trusted advisor.
History —May 27, 2014, No. 57, § 6.6.