Sec. 7. (a) There is created the advisory council to the office of the utility consumer counselor. The council consists of nine (9) members. Each Indiana congressional district must be represented by at least one (1) individual appointed under this section who is a resident of that congressional district. However, the reduction in membership of the council from ten (10) members to nine (9) shall be accomplished as the terms of members end and new members are appointed. Until the expiration of the term of a member who is serving on the council on January 1, 2014, and resides in the same congressional district as another member, the council consists of ten (10) members.

     (b) Members of the council, including those filling vacancies occurring in the council membership, shall be appointed by the governor. All members shall be appointed to a term of four (4) years, except those who have been appointed to fill a vacancy in the council whose term will be the unexpired portion of the term. All members shall serve until their successor has been duly appointed and qualified.

     (c) The membership shall be representative of the various sectors of Indiana economy, including, but not limited to: agriculture, business and industry, labor, and local government.

     (d) The members shall annually elect of themselves a chairman.

     (e) Members are entitled to receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement at the standard rates provided for state employees for expenses they incur in the performance of their duties under this chapter subject to the approval of the consumer counselor.

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.104, SEC.3. Amended by Acts 1982, P.L.1, SEC.23; P.L.170-2002, SEC.56; P.L.53-2014, SEC.74.