An effort was made recently to ban utility system lobbyists from entertaining PSC commissioners, their families and their staffs.

It was rejected.

The PSC had an opportunity to finish reform measures approved five years ago. At that time the agency had come under a blistering attack by state auditors. The report said the PSC was accepting thousands in free meals from companies it regulates, failing to look closely at utilities' finances, lacked crucial documents and was inconsistent in its rate-setting. It suggested that consumers were harmed. The commission corrected most of the questionable practices. The provision allowing commissioners to accept up to $50 worth of food and drink from companies they regulate is still in place, however.

Commissioners had another chance this month to ban acceptance of meals by companies they regulate. What would have been the toughest lobbying entertainment restrictions in state government were proposed by Commissioner Lambert Boissiere III of New Orleans. He told his colleagues, "We have an opportunity here today to set a standard."

The commission rejected Boissiere's proposals, voting 3-2 to keep the same rules under which the PSC now operates.

Boissiere's effort to toughen the rules followed another report by the state legislative auditor that criticized several of the commission's procedures and policies. The audit showed commissioners took 453 meals worth $9,318 between 2002 and 2006. That number climbed with the inclusion of staff members and spouses, rising to 646 instances of free meals paid for by companies regulated by the PSC.

Interim Commissioner Pat Manuel of Eunice asked his colleagues to amend Boissiere's motion to forbid campaign contributions from companies the PSC regulates. His motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Jimmy Field of Baton Rouge moved to keep the rules the same. Voting with him were Manuel and Chairman Jay Blossman of Mandeville.

Boissiere and Commissioner Foster Campbell of Bossier Parish voted against Field's motion.

Regulators accepting meals from those they regulate can only diminish effects of recent advances in governmental ethics. This year, the Better Government Association - Alpert Integrity index ranked Louisiana among the states most committed to ethics at the highest level. The areas judged were open records, whistleblower protections, campaign finance, open meetings and conflicts of interest.

Accepting meals from companies they regulate raises questions of conflict of interest by PSC members. Banning the meals would further enhance the state's new commitment to ethics in government.