(Columbia-AP) March 4, 2004 - After a nearly two-year delay, lawmakers elected new commissioners Wednesday to serve on the state panel that regulates utilities in South Carolina.

Four newcomers were chosen to serve on the Public Service Commission along with three incumbents. The PSC regulates power, water and local telephone utilities.

The commissioners are:

• John E."Butch" Howard District 1
• David A. Wright District 2
• Randy Mitchell District 3 Vice-Chairman
• Elizabeth B. "Lib" Fleming District 4
• G. O’Neal Hamilton District 5
• Mignon L. Clyburn District 6 Chair
• C. Robert "Bob" Moseley At-Large

The delay was caused after reformers raised questions about the qualifications of some commissioners and candidates for the $77,000 a year job. Senators refused to schedule elections until tougher qualifications were set, so incumbents were left in their jobs after their terms had ended.

Lawmakers approved changes that require a regulatory staff to operate separately from commissioners. That staff will be run by an executive director who is recommended to the governor by a legislative screening committee.

Lawmakers have set tougher qualifications, including new rules forbidding private talks between commissioners and utilities. Governor Mark Sanford signed the new bill into law about two weeks ago.

Legislators agreed last month that future candidates for the commission must have a college degree and experience related to their regulatory work. The new law also bars family members living with legislators from seeking commission jobs.

None of Wednesday's elections was close as those vying for contested seats won by wide margins.

updated 8:39am by Chris Rees