(6) One member representing large industrial users of electricity;

(7) One member representing small commercial users of electricity;

(8) One member representing investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities; and

(9) One member representing consumer-owned transmission and distribution utilities.

The Governor shall request a list of names from organizations or entities identified in paragraph G from which to make appointments.

3. Chairs. The first-named Senate member and the first-named House member serve as cochairs of the council.

4. Appointments; convening of council. All appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this Act. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. Within 15 days after appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the council.

5. Compensation. The legislative members of the council are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the council. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the council.

6. Staffing. The staff of the Public Utilities Commission shall, within existing resources, provide assistance to the council in carrying out its functions and duties.

7. Duties. The council shall:

A. Advise the Governor, the Public Utilities Commission, other appropriate state agencies and the Legislature on matters affecting electricity supply and costs to consumers in this State;