GPSC

GPSC News

Volume 9 Issue 2

*Mandatory directory distribution no longer required *Eighteen communities affected *Rule in effect since 1976 *Customer may request a directory

In this issue

Legislative Update

AGL Files Rate Request

Spring 2010
Commission Revises Mandatory Phone Book Distribution

Governor Proclaims Dig

Safely Month

Baker to Retire from

Commission

Commission Approves Van 3 Service

Commission Reduces Atmos 4 Rate Increase Request

Commission Decision in

Georgia Power Fuel Case

Congressional Staff Visits 5 Utility Protection Center

The Commission April nications companies to dential directories. 20 by a 4-1 vote print and distribute However, upon a cus-

adopted changes to Com- yearly residential tele- tomer's request, the

mission rules in response phone directories, com- local exchange carrier is

to a request from AT&T monly known as "white still required to provide

Georgia that will eliminate pages."

Under the the residential directory

mandatory distribution of amended rule, for com- free of charge in printed

printed directories to 18 munities with combined or electronic form. Man-

Georgia communities with populations of greater datory directory distribu-

populations over 50,000. than 50,000, local carri- tion remains an obliga-

Commission rules cur- ers will not be obligated tion for those local carri-

rently require telecommu- to distribute printed resi-

(Continued on page 2)

IRP Hearings Begin

Legislature Finishes Session,

New Direct Deposit Policy 6

Commission Bill Passes

Commission Authorizes Funds for Low Income Commission News

6 7

G eorgia lawmakers 2009 budget passed just Commission. Senate Bill

adjourned the 2010 over two years ago.

415 won approval on

regular session of the For the Commission, it the final day of the ses-

Commission Calendar

General Assembly on was a successful session sion and will give the 8 April 29, ending the long- as House Bill 1233 passed Commission regulatory

est running General As- both chambers and is authority over emer-

Next Issue

sembly since 1889. They awaiting Governor Sonny gency point to multiapproved the Fiscal Year Perdue's signature. From point warning systems. 2011 Budget on the final all indications, the Gover- This is a new area of day of the session, a nor will sign the measure. regulation for the Com-

August 2010

budget that is about $4 AS usual there was other mission.

billion less than the FY legislation affecting the

(Continued on page 2)

PAGE 2

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

Legislative News

(Continued from page 1)

The spending plan This was the last legislative

Lawmakers also approved

calls for spending session for a large number of

House Bill 396 which requires

$17.8 billion in statewide elected officials and

the Commission to distribute

state funds, which legislators including Governor

information packets regarding

is nearly $4 billion Sonny Perdue who can not

the laws on the distribution and

less than the seek re-election, and House

possession of alcoholic bever-

state

budget Majority Leader Jerry Keen who

ages by underage persons to

passed just two is not seeking re-election. Rep-

applicants for limousine certifi-

years ago.

resentative John Lunsford who

cation.

carried our legislation, H.B.

Lawmakers accomplished their

For the Commis- 1233, has also decided to retire

only mandated job, that of sion, the budget is about $1.2 mil- from the legislative arena.

passing a balance state budget, lion less than our 2009 spending Two lawmakers have left the

on the final day. Each chamber levels. Our authorized budget is set legislature to seek the PSC seat

approved the conference com- at just over $9.1 million including being vacated by Commissioner

mittee report on House Bill federal funds.

Robert Baker. Senator John

948, which sets state spending

Douglas of Conyers and Repre-

for the 2011 fiscal year which begins July 1, 2010 and ends June 30. 2011.

If you have a story for the next GPSC News, please send to Bill Edge, bille@psc.state.ga.us. Next issue deadline is July 15, 2010.

sentative Jeff May of Monroe have qualified for the July 20 Republican primary. A runoff would be held on August 10.

Atlanta Gas Light Files Rate Increase Request

T he Commission is reviewing the Atlanta Gas Light Com-

revenues or about a $3.00 per month increase in the monthly

pany (AGLC) request for an in-

base charge for the average resi-

crease in its base rates filed

dential customer in the AGLC de-

with the Commission on May 3.

livery area. The Company is also

Following three rounds of hear-

seeking an increase in its return

ings beginning in August of this

on equity (ROE) from 10.90% to

year, the Commission will issue

11.25%. The Commission decided

a decision on the request in No-

the last AGLC rate case on June

vember 2010.

10, 2005 at which time the Com-

According to the Company's fil- Commission staff receives the mission froze the Company's base

ing they are seeking an annual Atlanta Gas Light rate case

rates until April 30, 2010. The

increase of $54.1 million in

filing

rate case is under Docket 31647.

Phone Book Rule
(Continued from page 1)
ers serving communities with a combined population of less than 50,000. The amended rule requires local exchange companies to provide notice to affected customers prior to discontinuing the distribution of residential directories. The affected communities are:

Albany Athens Atlanta Augusta-Harlem Austell-Douglasville-HiramMableton-Powder Springs
Cherokee-Pickens Counties Clayton-Fayette-Henry Counties Columbus-Hamilton Cumming-Forsyth-RoswellAlpharetta Gwinnett County

Henry County Lake Oconee-Reynolds tion Macon-Forsyth Marietta Savannah
Warner Robins West Georgia

Planta-

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 3

Commission Joins Governor to Proclaim April Dig Safely Month

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on April 1 pro-

gerous damage to buried utilities.

claimed April 2010 as Dig Safely

Commission

Chairman

Month in Georgia. During a cere-

Lauren "Bubba" McDonald,

mony at the State Capitol, Gov-

Jr. said, "We are joining the

ernor Perdue presented a procla-

Governor and all interested

mation to representatives of the

groups in working collectively

Commission, Georgia 811, Geor-

toward a common goal to

gia Utility Contractors Associa-

prevent damages and per-

tion, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas

sonal injuries from occurring

Light, AT&T and other organiza-

to the state's underground

tions involved in the prevention of the top five in the nation and utility facilities. In addition, we

of damage to Georgia's under- serves as a model for other work to prevent the interruption

ground utility infrastructure.

states to follow in reducing dam- of utility service as well. Since

The Commission is charged with ages to underground utilities. the passage of the Georgia Utility

the enforcement of the state's The Commission works to edu- Facility Protection Act in 2000,

underground utilities damage cate excavators and utilities in the state has built a damage pre-

prevention programs. The Com- order to avoid accidents that can vention program second to none

mission's program is rated one cause expensive and often dan-

(Continued on page 5)

Commissioner Baker Announces Retirement from

the Commission

C ommissioner Robert B. Baker, Jr., the longest serv-
ing member of the Commission, has decided not to seek reelection for another six-year term. Baker has served on the Commission since January 1993 and
is completing his third term. He was the first Republican in Georgia to win a statewide elec-

tion since Recon- ing to be looking for other

struction.

He opportunities."

won re-election Baker grew up in DeKalb

in 1998 and County and attended

2004.

DeKalb County public

"It's a difficult schools. He went on to

decision," Baker graduate from Oglethorpe

said, "after 18 University with honors and

years it's time to received his law degree

do something from the University of Geor-

new and I'm go- gia.

Commission Approves Van Service

T he Commission April 6 side Transportation (Southside). Southside has complied with granted emergency author- The Emergency Authority is good state law and Commission rules

ity to a Clayton County passen- for 60 days and will allow South- to provide proof of insurance, a

ger van carrier who will provide side to operate while it seeks a background criminal investiga-

transportation service to resi- Permanent Certificate of Authority tion and safety inspections.

dents of Clayton County. The from the Commission. In granting According to their Commission

Commission approved a Class B

the Emergency application, Southside will oper-

Passenger Certificate Temporary

Authority, the ate two 15 passenger vans and

Emergency Authority for Bisola

Commission has will charge $2.00 per person per

Ige, doing business as South-

verified

that

(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 4

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

Commission Reduces Atmos Energy Rate Increase

The Commission on March 29 voted 4 to 1 to reduce the Atmos Energy request for an increase in its base rates. The Commission decision lowers the Company's requested increase in revenue by approximately
$800,000 per year. The Company

clude:
Increases residential cus-
tomer monthly bill by approximately $3.
Increases the Company's
revenue by $3 million annually.
Places new rates in effect on
April 1, 2010

sion heard from 14 witnesses during the hearings. The Commission also held a public comment meeting in Gainesville and heard from a number of public speakers.
The Commission last approved an increase in Atmos Energy's base rates in 2008.

filed a request on October 1, Sets the Company's rate of Atmos Energy serves approxi-

2009 for a $3.8 million annual return on equity at 10.7%

mately 57,000 customers in Co-

increase in its base rates.

The Commission held three lumbus and Gainesville, Geor-

Other terms of the decision in- rounds of hearings at which the gia.

Company, Commission staff,

other interested parties,

also known as interve-

nors, and the public were

allowed to present testi-

mony and evidence in

support of their positions

in this case. The Commis-

Commission Issues Decision in Georgia Power Fuel Cost Recovery Case

T he Commission on March Consumers will see a lower fuel of $5.59 in their bills begin17 approved a settlement rate than originally proposed by ning April 1, 2010.

in the Georgia Power Company the Company. Georgia Power cus- The agreement contains a

request for an increase in the tomers using an average of 1000 number of items that will

Company's fuel cost recovery

kilowatt benefit consumers. By collect-

rates. The decision means a

hours a ing the under collected bal-

lower increase in the monthly

month ance of fuel costs, fuel that

fuel rate, as well as other

will see Georgia Power has already

mechanisms to keep future fuel

an in- purchased, over a 42-month

costs in check.

crease period beginning April 1, the

Company will be able to take collected balances from reaching increases in fuel rates through

advantage of lower interest the huge balances which have ac- the IFR are subject to Staff re-

costs and lower fuel costs to cumulated in the past. The In- view and Commission approval.

bring the balance down to zero terim Fuel Rate (IFR) will allow A request for an increase in the

as quickly as possible. The cur- the Company to increase the fuel fuel cost is not the same as a

rent under collection balance is rate should the under collected request for an increase in base

now $683 million. The Commis- balance reach more than $75 mil- rates. Georgia law allows elec-

sion approved the 42-month lion of the projected fuel budget. tric utilities to recover their fuel

collection period on a motion by However the IFR can not exceed costs, prudently incurred, on a

Commissioner Doug Everett. 10 percent of the current fuel rate dollar for dollar basis (O.C.G.A.

The agreement establishes a and may not be adjusted more 46-2-26). The utilities are not

mechanism to keep future under than three times in one year. Any

(Continued on page 5)

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 5

Congressional Staff Visits Utility Dig Safely

Protection Center

Month

The Utilities Protection Center hosted federal pipeline

(Continued from page 3)
in the nation."

safety officials and Congres-

Chairman McDonald added,

sional staff as well our own

"For those states who do not

Commission staff on February

currently have a damage pre-

18 for a tour of the UPC 811 call

vention program, I would is-

Center in Duluth.

sue a challenge to follow

The visitors also toured the Co-

Georgia's lead and begin such

lonial Pipeline facility in Alpha-

a program, it is the right

retta.

thing to do." This "one call"

The group included Department

system is free to contractors

of Transportation Associate Ad-

and excavators as well as

ministrator Jeff Wiese and Con-

homeowners and helps all

gressional and Governmental Congressional staff, federal excavators comply with the

Affairs Liaison Patricia Klinger. pipeline officials and Commis- law.

sion staff outside the UPC Fa-

cility in Duluth

Commission Begins Hearings on Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan

The Commission April 13 started its triennial review of the Georgia Power Company 2010 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This review is required by law
and is the utility's long-range plans for and forecasts of the

state's electric power needs for the next three years. Additional hearings are scheduled for May 18-19, 2010 and June 1011, 2010. The Commission is scheduled to
issue a decision on the Georgia Power IRP at its regular Administrative Session on July 6, 2010.

Georgia Power Fuel Cost Decision

(Continued from page 4)

Company's request goes into ef- tions in this case. There were

allowed to make a profit on fect. The statutory deadline for five intervenors in this docket

their fuel costs. The Commis- this docket was March 15, 2010. representing consumers, com-

sion can also, on its own re- The Commission held a full day mercial and industrial customers.

quest, require a utility to file a of hearings this year on February The Commission heard from 13

fuel cost docket.

22 at which the Company, Com- witnesses during the hearing. At

Georgia law also requires the mission staff, other interested the conclusion of the hearings,

Commission to issue a decision parties, also known as interve- the Company and the Public In-

on the Company's request nors, and the public were allowed terest Advocacy Staff reached

within 90 days of the Com- to present testimony and evi-

(Continued on page 6)

pany's filing. Otherwise, the dence in support of their posi-

PAGE 6

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

New Direct Deposit Policy

Vogtle Monitoring

I n an effort to maximize the able with several caveats utilization of electronic pay- Employees that request and
ments and to minimize the num- receive an exemption from SAO ber of paper checks issued by the will have paper checks mailed State, the State Accounting Office ON PAYDAY from SAO

Hearings; Judge
Rules in Vogtle
Lawsuit
T he Commission will begin the second set of hearings

(SAO) has issued a new policy on The new policy contains sev- to review Plant Vogtle Construc-

payroll direct deposit.

eral pages of `Frequently asked tion costs on May 26 and 27.

Please be aware that this policy Questions and Answers' that are Under the Commission's order in

applies to all employees paid by the PeopleSoft HCM central payroll system administered by the State Accounting Office therefore
all PSC employees are affected.

very informative NO Action is required for the employees currently receiving
their pay by direct deposit unless you are changing finan-

this Docket 29849, Georgia Power must file semi-annual reports on the progress of the
multi-billion dollar construction project.

A few key points of the new policy cial institutions. Any questions On April 30, Fulton County

are:

concerning this direct deposit Judge Wendy Shoob issued a

All current and future employ- policy should be sent to Ivy Fer- bench ruling that sent the Plant

ees are affected

ris at iferris@sao.ga.gov or

Vogtle certification case back to

Current employees have until Monique Simmons at mmsim- the Commission for additional

June 1, 2010 to enroll.

mons@sao.ga.gov .

findings of fact.

An exemption process is avail-

Clayton County Van

Georgia Power

(Continued from page 3)

County commuters. The Com- (Continued from page 5)

trip. He must seek permanent au- mission is acting within its agreement on a stipulation or

thority from the Commission in emergency powers to attract negotiated settlement on the

order to continue his service.

private businesses to help fill issues in this docket. Stipulations

Commissioner Chuck Eaton, the void left by the cancellation are often used to settle con-

who chairs the Commission's of C-TRAN service. The Com- tested cases in a way

Transportation Committee said, mission hopes the emergency that benefits all par-

"While this carrier will not replace certificate will fill the needs of ties in the proceeding.

C-TRAN, the Commission has those who rely on public trans-

given Southside the opportunity portation for so many things

to step in right away and meet such as jobs, healthcare and

some of the needs of Clayton grocery shopping."

Commission Authorizes Funds for Natural Gas Assistance

T he Commission May 4 unani- the Atlanta Gas Light Company territory. Fresh Start is a fedmously approved the distri- (AGLC) service area to pay their eral program that provides

bution of up to $500,000 in bills and/or deposits.

one-time crisis assistance pay-

matching funds from the Univer- The Commission's approval of ments for needy families. Un-

sal Service Fund (USF) to the the USF disbursement will enable der the program, 80% of the

Georgia Department of Human DHS to apply for federal match- monies will be federal funds,

Services (DHS) for the Fresh Start ing grants under the Fresh Start 10% will be USF funds, 5-10%

Program. The monies will be used program which has been estab- will be paid by the Natural Gas

to provide assistance to low in- lished to assist low income natu- Marketers and the recipient will

come natural gas customers in ral gas customers in the AGLC

(Continued on page 7)

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 7

Employee News

Sympathy

O ur condolences go out to Margie Conley on the pass- Former employee Sheila Collins on the following Commission ing her mother, Mary Lewis, the passing of her husband Donald

colleagues on the loss of loved on April 7. The funeral was on March 28. The

ones:

held on April 11 in Newnan, funeral was held

C o m m i s s i o n e r L a u r e n Georgia.

April 1.

"Bubba" McDonald, Jr. on the

passing of his wife, Sunny

Nivens McDonald February 27.

The funeral was held March 4 in

Cumming, Georgia

Congratulations

Sallie Kempton Tanner, along William Upshaw and wife on the Monique Andrews and her

with her husband Stephen on birth of their second child, Landon husband Abe on the birth of

the birth of their first child, Nathaniel Upshaw, on March 24. Malachi Lewis Andrews on April

George Tanner, on March 24. Landon weighed six pounds 11 30. The new arrival weighed in

George weighed in at seven ounces and was 20 and 1/4

at 8 lbs and 8 oz and his length

pounds and three ounces. All inches long.

was 19.5 inches. This is their

are doing

first

fine.

child.

Welcome Back

Commission Authorizes Funds for

W Low Income Assistance

e welcome back Dennis

Sewell and Victoria Taylor (Continued from page 6)

USF funds can only be spent on

to the Commission.

pay 0-5%.

customers in the AGLC service

Dennis returns after a one year The Commission's decision lim- territory.

tour of active duty with the mili- its the initial disbursement to The Universal Service Fund is a

tary in Afghanistan. Dennis is in DHS to $100,000 but author- fund established under the

the internal consultants section. izes up to $500,000 in dis- Natural Gas Deregulation Act of

Dennis has been with the Commis- bursements from the USF upon 1997. The law authorizes the

sion since 1987.

proper showing of need. The Commission to order disburse-

Victoria is back after a leave of ab- Commission's decision requires ments from the USF to assist

sence to pursue graduate educa- DHS to submit monthly reports low income consumers in times

tion. Victoria works in the internal detailing the amount of funds of emergency as determined by

consultants section. She has been received and how they are the Commission.

with the Commission since 2003. spent and stipulates that the

PAGE 8

GPSC NEWS

Commission News

Georgia State Holidays For 2010

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2
Commission Calendar

New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Confederate Memorial Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Robert E. Lee's Birthday Washington's Birthday Christmas

January 1 January 18 April 26 May 31 July 2 September 6 October 11 November 11 November 25 November 26 December 23 December 24

May 2010 4-Administrative Session
13-Committees 18-Administrative Session 18-19-IRP Hearings 26-27-Vogtle Review Hearings 27-Committees June 2010
1-Administrative Session 10-Committees 10-11-IRP Hearings 15-Administrative Session

Commission Calendar

July 2010 1 Committees 2-Holiday 6-Administrative Session 15-Committees 20-Administrative Session
22-Vogtle Review Hearings July 29-Committees August 2010 3-Administrative Session 10-12-AGLC Hearings 12-Committees

NARUC
Summer Meeting 2010 July 18-21, 2010 Sacramento, California
Annual Convention 2009 November 15-18, 2010 Atlanta, Georgia
Winter Meeting 2011 February 13-17, 2011 Washington, D.C.

SEARUC
Annual Meeting 2010 June 21-24, 2010 Point Clear, Alabama
GPSC ONLINE:.psc.state.ga.us

The Public Information Office publishes GPSC
News for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for GPSC News should be sent to: Bill Edge, 244 Washington St. S.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30334. Discussion
of regulatory matters in this newsletter should not be construed as legal interpretations of orders or rules issued by the Commission.

COMMISSIONERS Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr.,
Chairman Stan Wise, Vice-Chairman
Robert B. Baker, Jr. H. Doug Everett Chuck Eaton
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Flannagan
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Reece McAlister