The full Senate signed off on a bill today regarding the Public Service Commission, but not before a major change was made.

The legislation would rework the public Service Commission, or PSC, which oversees and sets the rights for Kentucky ratepayers, some of whom are seeing utility bills at an all time high.

There was some concern earlier this week that the bill could prevent advocacy groups or residents from speaking before the PSC to advocate or against new projects, or rate changes, but a floor amendment by the Perry County bill sponsor changed that language, and he said it was never the bill's intent to silence any Kentuckians.

It replaces section two of the bill and establishes a clear statutory framework for intervention in cases before the Public Service Commission to assure that individuals and organizations with legitimate interests may apply.

And this was always our intent.

That's why I was, I told a lot of our members, a lot of the emails and hate that you were getting.

We agree with him.

All of us get calls from people sending us text of these rates that are so high we can't believe it.

But you have no power truly to do anything about it.

And that's the most frustrating thing I have seen since I've been here, because that is all handled by the Public Service Commission.

It had dawned on me we are the ones that can set the policy in the language for the Public Service Commission, and that's exactly what we want to do.

This is our first step.

And what I'm going to continue to bring to you, to help us start getting control of the rates and attacking to where we have surplus power and affordable rates like we used to have.

The changes were also welcomed by the environmental group, the Sierra Club, who was concerned about the stifling of consumer voices, and a statement sent to court today.

Here's what the Kentucky chapter director had to say.

We're glad lawmakers removed the provision that would have blocked public participation in these proceedings.

The Sierra Club is one of the few organizations consistently representing Kentucky ratepayers, communities and public health, ensuring decisions aren't dominated by fossil fuel interests.

Kentuckians deserve a voice, and this amendment protects that right.

End quote.

Right now, the PSC is administratively attached to the Energy and Environment Cabinet within the executive branch.

This bill would give the State Auditor's Office oversight over some limited administrative functions.

A Louisville Democrat took issue with that part of the bill.

My problem, and there's something that we keep doing in this chamber, is just adding little political gotchas to bills.

I believe that it was a move made for simply political reasons.

Take it from the executive branch, give it to the legislature.

Give it to a Republican in the executive branch.

Take it from a Democrat.

Give it to Republican.

It's not necessary.

Senate Bill eight passed the upper chamber with a vote of 30 to 5 today, and now heads to the House for consideration.

There.