A high-flying state official has been grounded.

Public Service Commissioner John “Butch” Howard planned to fly to Washington, DC, New Mexico, California, New York, Florida and Kentucky – all at the ratepayers’ expense in his final month in office.

After questions from the Charleston Post and Courier, the PSC is changing policies on junkets and canceled Howard’s travel vouchers.

If the lame-duck commissioner wants to go, he may have to pay his own way.

Utility industry groups reimburse some expenses for junkets to beach resorts and boutique hotels costing thousands of dollars.

Questions were raised about what benefit his attendance could bring since his term ends June 30.

Howard withdrew his application for another 4 years after it became clear that lawmakers wouldn’t reelect him or others who approved $2 billion in rate hikes on SC Electric and Gas ratepayers for its $9 billion failed nuclear reactor project.

The junkets offer utility groups the opportunity to wine and dine the commissioners who regulate investor-owned utilities.

A commission spokesman said the PSC plans to:

• Ban ratepayer-funded trips during commissioners’ last 6 months in office.

• Check options for covering travel costs.

• Require evaluation of the educational value of all conference attendance.