JerryBellune@yahoo.com

Interested in a job with a 6-figure salary?

Maybe you ought to become a state Public Service Commissioner. They are paid $129,482 a year.

No heavy lifting but lots of sitting through complicated utility proposals for higher rates and greater profits.

There’s a catch. If you live in Lexington County, you probably aren’t eligible. Our Congressional district seat is already filled.

And the state Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee, which must approve winning nominees, contains no lawmakers from Lexington County.

The PSC has jurisdiction over investor-owned electric and gas utilities, water and sewer companies, telecommunications companies, carriers of household goods and hazardous waste for disposal, taxicabs and other passenger carriers.

A nominee must have a bachelor’s degree and experience in energy, telecommunications, consumer protection and advocacy, water and sewer, finance, economics and statistics, accounting, engineering or law.

Applications must be submitted by noon Oct. 11.

Application forms are available at 102 Gressette Building, Columbia, by contacting Heather Anderson, (803) 212-6208 or heatheranderson@scsenate.gov, or Michelle McGee, (803) 212-6634 or michellemcgee@scsenate.gov.