(Columbia-AP) March 2, 2004 - The General Assembly will elect new regulators for state utilities Wednesday. The election comes after two years of delays as the House and Senate fought over reforming the selection process for the Public Service Commission.

Two years ago the screening committee for PSC candidates and a legislative audit raised questions about the qualifications of some commissioners and candidates. Reform advocates were concerned about legislators' family members seeking the high-paying jobs.

Questions were also raised about instances when regulators improperly contacted utility representatives. The questions prompted a push for overhaul in the Senate. Legislators agreed last month that future candidates for the commission must have a college degree and experience related to their regulatory work.

Senators refused to schedule elections until tougher qualifications were set, including new rules forbidding private talks between commissioners and utilities. Meanwhile, incumbents were left in their jobs after their terms had ended.

updated 8:34am by Chris Rees