Scott reappoints Edgar to Florida PSC

The Republican governor rejected a candidate with tea party backing in announcing his decision just two days before a deadline set by law.

The five-member commission regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas and water utilities.

The 49-year-old Edgar, originally appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush and then reappointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, is the longest serving member of the panel, which otherwise has had a rapid turnover in recent years. Her new term begins in January.

Critics, including a Gainesville-based tea party group and state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, have accused her of being too cozy with the utilities she regulates.

Scott, though, praised her experience.

"Lisa has demonstrated the ability to review complex issues and show fairness in considering those issues," Scott said in a statement.

He selected Edgar from among four candidates submitted by the PSC Nominating Council including former state Rep. Ken Littlefield, a Wesley Chapel Republican, who had tea party support.

The other two nominees were Aventura City Commissioner Luz Weinberg and Donald Polmann, engineering and science director for Tampa Bay Water, a regional public utility.

The appointment is subject to Florida Senate confirmation, but Edgar can serve until then.

Edgar is the lone holdover since the panel unanimously rejected large rate increases sought by the state's two biggest electric companies, Florida Power & Light Co. and Progress Energy Florida, in 2010.