There is established the Energy Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by the State Budget and Control Board, except as provided in item (14) of this section. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the State Budget and Control Board except that those appointed pursuant to item (14) shall serve for a term coterminous with that of their appointing authority. The committee is composed as follows:

1. (1) two representatives of investor-owned electricity companies;
2. (2) two representatives of electric cooperatives;
3. (3) one representative of the South Carolina Public Service Authority, who shall serve ex officio;
4. (4) one representative of municipally-owned electric utilities;
5. (5) one representative of publicly-owned natural gas companies;
6. (6) one representative of investor-owned gas companies;
7. (7) one representative of oil suppliers or dealers;
8. (8) one representative of propane suppliers or dealers;
9. (9) one representative of nonprofit public transportation providers;
10. (10) two representatives of industrial consumers;
11. (11) two representatives of commercial consumers;
12. (12) two representatives of individual consumers; one must be the State Consumer Advocate or the Consumer Advocate's designee, who shall serve ex officio;
13. (13) two representatives of environmental groups; and

14. (14) one at-large member appointed by the Governor.

    The Budget and Control Board shall elect one of the committee members to serve as chairman. The members of the Energy Advisory Committee are not eligible for per diem payments or for reimbursement for lodging or meals. The functions of the Energy Advisory Committee are advisory to the State Energy Office. The committee shall meet at least annually and at the call of the chair or at the request of at least six members to receive information on the activities of the State Energy Office and the formulation and implementation of the state energy action plan. It may comment and advise on the activities and the plan as considered appropriate by members of the committee. The State Energy Office may seek advice and guidance from the committee as considered appropriate by the director of the office.Members shall adopt rules governing meeting attendance and abide by these rules.