(a) There is hereby established a citizens’ utility ratepayer board which shall consist of five members appointed by the governor. Subject to the provisions of Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-4315c, the governor shall appoint one member from each congressional district and the remainder from the state at large. The members of the board shall serve for a term of four years. All vacancies in office of members so appointed shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term of the member creating the vacancy.

(b) The board shall organize annually by the election from its membership of a chairperson and shall adopt such rules of procedure as the board deems necessary for conducting its business.

(c) The board shall hold such meetings as in its judgment may be necessary for the performance of its powers, duties and functions. Appointive members of the board shall receive compensation, subsistence allowances, mileage and other expenses for attending meetings of the board as provided by Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-3223, and amendments thereto.

(d) The state corporation commission shall provide such technical and clerical staff assistance as may be requested by the board in the administration of the provisions of this act.

(e) The board shall administer this act and shall have and may exercise the following powers, duties and functions:

(1) Employ an attorney as a consumer counsel;

(2) guide the activities of the consumer counsel; and

(3) recommend legislation to the legislature which in the board’s judgment would positively affect the interests of utility consumers.