FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — A state lawmaker from Eastern Kentucky has filed legislation aimed at increasing oversight of utility regulators and addressing rising energy costs.

Senator Brandon Smith of Hazard announced Monday that he has introduced Senate Bill 8, a measure backed by Senate President Robert Stivers and Senate leadership.

According to Smith, the bill would update and restructure the Kentucky Public Service Commission to help it handle increasingly complex utility rate cases and infrastructure decisions that affect customers across the state.

SB 8 has been designated a top-10 priority bill in the Senate. Supporters say the proposal would expand the commission and add professional expertise in order to strengthen oversight of decisions involving electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities.

Smith said the legislation is intended to improve accountability and ensure the commission focuses on affordability and reliability for ratepayers.

The proposal would also formally establish the Public Service Commission as an independent department within state government while updating its operations to better review utility filings and reduce regulatory delays.