69-9-107. Montana power authority -- board composition -- procedures. (1) There is a Montana power authority consisting of a seven-member citizen board appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate.
     (2) In selecting the members, the governor shall:
     (a) consider each prospective member's knowledge and understanding of the structural and financial dimensions of the electrical energy sector of the state's economy;
     (b) ensure that two of the members broadly represent, as evidenced by their background, experience, and livelihood, the following categories of electrical energy consumption:
     (i) irrigated agriculture;
     (ii) commercial and industrial enterprise; and
     (iii) residential;
     (c) choose an at-large member with academic or business credentials that indicate that the person has substantial experience in energy markets in the region of the western states; and
     (d) choose an at-large member with substantial experience in financial, banking, and bonding matters.
     (3) The members shall elect the presiding officer by majority vote.
     (4) Members of the Montana power authority shall serve staggered 4-year terms. The governor shall designate two of the initial members to serve 2-year terms and three of the initial members to serve 3-year terms. Vacancies must be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
     (5) The Montana power authority shall meet at least twice a year and may meet more frequently as required by circumstances or at the request of any two or more members of the authority.
     (6) Decisions of the Montana power authority require a simple majority of the whole membership.
     (7) The Montana power authority is attached to the department for administrative purposes, and the department shall provide staff support and a liaison between the authority and other state or federal agencies.

     History: En. Sec. 23, Ch. 577, L. 2001.