FL H7071

Transfers the Office of Public Counsel from the legislative branch to the Attorney General, who appoints the Public Counsel to serve at the Attorney General's pleasure, and funds it from the General Revenue Fund.

Limits Florida Public Service Commissioners appointed after July 1, 2017, to a maximum of two consecutive 4-year terms and prohibits state legislators from serving on the commission for 6 years after leaving office.

Creates five commissioner districts aligned with state district courts of appeal to ensure statewide representation, with commissioners required to reside in their assigned districts.

Requires the Public Service Commission to establish utility-specific performance criteria for electric utilities covering reliability, customer service, safety, and energy efficiency, with annual performance reviews that can adjust return on equity by up to 100 basis points based on performance ratings.

Mandates the commission establish multi-year rate plans (minimum 3 years) for electric utilities with clearly defined adjustments for inflation, customer growth, and capital additions, and establishes a maximum 15 percent generation reserve margin planning criterion unless extraordinary circumstances justify higher margins.