Some state regulators are unhappy with Dominion Energy’s advertising tactics.

They say they believe Dominion advertised widely in media and mailings that they would pay the average ratepayer $1,000 if the SCANA sale went through.

Then they came up with a 2nd plan that did away with the $1,000 promise but did not advertise it widely.

Due to public criticism of the PSC’s approval of Dominion’s takeover of Lexington County-based SCANA, commissioners fear this will not help regain public trust.

They have scheduled a hearing next month to ask Dominion to explain:

• What was the public perception of the $1,000 cash rebate advertising?

• What is the effectiveness of Dominion’s Customer Education Plan to address ratepayer distrust of regulators and the regulatory process?

• What responsibility does Dominion have in advertising cash rebates to ratepayers under PSC jurisdiction?

Earlier last week, lawmakers elected a by-the-book lawyer to the PSC.

Commissioner Elliott Elam, Jr., of Lexington withdrew his name from consideration as a nominee.

He reportedly gave no reason for withdrawing but has been under fire for his votes to grant SCANA $2 billion in electric rate hikes for the failed SC Electric & Gas nuclear reactor project.

Lawmakers elected former Office of Regulatory Staff attorney Florence Belser who has provided legal counsel for the watchdog agency.

Belser scored 95 on the PSC test. Elam 91.

The ORS confirmed that Belser makes $113,110. On the PSC, she faces a pay cut, making $107,822.

ORS Executive Director Nanette Edwards called her “fair minded” and one who will follow the law.