(a) The compensation of each commissioner of the Tennessee public utility commission shall be thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000) per year payable monthly out of the state treasury on the warrant of the commissioner of finance and administration. When commissioners are assigned to serve on a panel lasting more than one (1) day, the commissioner shall be compensated one hundred forty dollars ($140) for each day, or portion of a day, following the first day, for the duration of the matter. Such compensation shall be in addition to reimbursement for actual travel expenses on official business under subsection (b).
(b) The seven (7) commissioners shall be reimbursed for their actual travel expenses on official business in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.