(1) The Public Utility Commission may:

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(a) Organize and reorganize the office of the Public Utility Commission in the manner that it considers necessary to properly discharge the responsibilities of the Public Utility Commission.

(b) Contract for or procure on a fee or part-time basis, or both, such experts, technical or other professional services as it may require for the discharge of its duties.

(c) Obtain such other services as it considers necessary or desirable.

(d) Participate in organizations of regional and national utility commissions.

(e) Appoint advisory committees. A member of an advisory committee so appointed shall receive no compensation for services as a member. Subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, the member shall receive actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(2) Subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, the commissioners and the officers and employees of the commission shall be reimbursed for such reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(3) The chairperson of the commission appointed under ORS § 756.014 shall serve as the administrative head of the commission and has the power to:

(a) With the consent of one or more of the other members of the commission, appoint and employ all subordinate officers and employees, including, but not limited to, deputies, assistants, engineers, examiners, accountants, auditors, inspectors and clerical personnel, prescribe their duties and fix their compensation, subject to the State Personnel Relations Law.

(b) Prescribe internal policies and procedures for the government of the commission, the conduct of its employees, the assignment and performance of its business and the custody, use and preservation of its records, papers and property in a manner consistent with applicable law. [1971 c.655 § 8; 1985 c.834 § 9; 1999 c.1102 § 2; 2003 c.14 § 453]