GPSC news, Vol. 10, no. 3 (Summer 2010)

GPSC

GPSC News

Summer 2010

Volume 9 Issue 3
*AGLC seeking $54 million increase in rates *Average monthly bill would increase $3 *Commission decision set for November 2, 2010

Commission Opens Hearings on Atlanta Gas Light Rate Case

In this issue

Legislative Update

2

Georgia Power Files Rate 3 Case

Commission Approves AGL 3 Strategic Corridor Plan
Commission to Hold Public 4 Hearings Across State
McDonald Speaks at AGL 4 Call Center Opening
Lifeline Linkup Week Com- 5 ing
Wise Speaks to Forum in 5 Columbus

Everett Calls on State to

6

Leader in CNG

Employee News

7

Commission Calendar

8

Next Issue Novem-
ber 2010

The

Commission $54 million increase in ministrative Session, the

opened hearings into base rates to upgrade its Commission set the filing

the Atlanta Gas Light customer service pro- and hearing schedule for

Company 2010 rate case gram as well as to cover this case filed in this

on August 10 with the rising operational costs. docket. The remaining

Company's presentation The Company filed for an schedule in this case is:

of its direct case.

increase in base rates on August 19, 2010 Staff

AGLC President Suz- May 3. Its proposal and intervenors file testi-

anne Sitherwood testi- would increase customer mony

fied to open the Com- base rates by about $3 a September 13-14, 2010

pany's presentation. She month.

Hearings: Staff and

said the Company needs a At its April 20, 2010 Ad-

(Continued on page 2)

Commission Approves Georgia Power

Integrated Resources Plan

T he Commission July 31082. The plan will en- Jr., "We are making de6 approved by a 4- sure that Georgia Power cisions that affect mil-

1 vote a stipulated customers have an ade- lions of Georgians, en-

agreement to resolve all quate and reliable electric suring that we have reli-

issues in the Georgia supply, establish meas- able electric service so

Power Company 2010 ures to conserve energy, we do not experience

Integrated Resource Plan and promote alternate brownouts in extreme

(IRP) filing in Docket energy supplies.

weather conditions and

31081 and Application "Georgia has to look to promoting economic

for Certification of its De- the future," said Com- growth and develop-

mand Side Management mission Chairman Lau- ment."

(DSM) Plan in Docket ren "Bubba" McDonald,

(Continued on page 2)

PAGE 2

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

Legislative News

State revenues may have begun their long hoped for

ordered four per- tional funding for Georgia. cent cuts to each Looking ahead to the next

turnaround but more months of

state agency's budget cycle, the Office of

positive revenue increases are

allotment for July Planning and Budget has in-

needed before anyone can say

due to the fact structed each agency to pre-

the state's economic picture is

that the Congress pare budgets of four percent,

truly on the mend.

had failed to pass six percent and eight percent

State revenues increased by

about $375 in cuts for the Amended FY 2011

4.7 percent in July of this year

Medicaid funding Budget and budgets of six per-

compared to July 2009. It is

for Georgia that cent, eight percent and ten

the second consecutive month

was supposed to percent for the FY 2012 Budg-

of revenue increase for the first be part of the Economic Stimulus ets.

time in over two years.

Package approved in 2009. How- The Commission budgets are

For fiscal year 2010 which ever Congress did approve the due to OPB on September 1,

ended June 30 2010, total funding on August 9. the measure 2010.

revenues were down 9.1 per- will provide up to $550 million addicent compared to FY 2009. However June 2010 revenues

Commission District 2 Republican Runoff Results

were up 3.8 percent over June 2009. In the meantime, the Governor

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.

Tim Echols John Douglas

52.3% 47.7%

Commission Approves Georgia Power IRP

(Continued from page 1)

demonstration projects up to one ings that should result from

Georgia law requires the Com- megawatt in size.

these programs will benefit

pany to file an updated IRP 2.Certifies seven of the Com- each and every one of the

every three years which details pany's proposed nine DSM pro- Company's ratepayers. While

how it will supply the state's grams with many of Staff's modi- these programs are not de-

electric generation needs.

fications to those programs. signed to reach the potential

Under the stipulation the Com- These modifications not only in- identified in some studies, their

pany and the Commission Public crease the energy savings but achieved energy savings will

Interest Advocacy staff reached also practically double the dollars help to lead Georgia out of the

agreement on the following is- savings at minimal additional bottom of national and regional

sues:

costs, and therefore greatly im- comparisons on energy effi-

1.The Company will be allowed prove the cost effectiveness of ciency.

to develop a portfolio of solar these programs. The energy sav-

(Continued on page 4 )

(Continued from page 1)
intervenors present testi-
mony October 1, 2010- AGLC files rebuttal testimony October 12-13, 2010 Hearings: AGLC presents rebuttal testimony
October 21, 2010 All parties file proposed orders October 28, 2010 Energy Committee, Advisory Staff

presents recommendation November 2, 2010 Commission issues its decision at Administrative Session In 2005 the Commission approved a five year freeze in the Company's rates. The AGLC rate case filing is found under Docket Number 31647.
AGLC President Suzanne Sitherwood opens the Company's direct case

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 3

Georgia Power Files 2010 Rate Case

The Commission is reviewing a $10.88 increase for the aver- November 8-10, 2010 Hearthe Georgia Power Company age residential customer using ings: Staff and intervenors pre-

request for an increase in its 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month. sent testimony

base rates filed with the Com- The Commission decided the last November 19, 2010- Georgia

mission on July 1. The Commis- Georgia Power rate request on Power files rebuttal testimony

sion will begin the first round of December 18, 2007 in Docket December 1-3, 2010 Hearings:

hearings on the Company's re- 25060.

Georgia Power presents rebuttal

quest on October 4, 2010 and At its June 17, 2010 Administra- testimony

will issue a decision on the re- tive Session, the Commission set December 8, 2010 All parties

quest on December 21, 2010. the filing and hearing schedule file proposed orders

Georgia law requires the Com- for this case filed in Docket Num- December 16, 2010 Energy

mission to issue a decision on ber 31958. The schedule is:

Committee, Advisory Staff pre-

the Company's rate request July 1, 2010 Georgia Power sents recommendation

within 180 days from the date files its case and also direct testi- December 21, 2010 Commis-

the proposed new rates are filed. mony

sion issues its decision at Admin-

According to the Company's fil- October 4-6, 2010 Hearings: istrative Session

ing, it is requesting an annual Georgia Power presents direct

increase in its retail rates of testimony

$615 million. This request, if ap- October 22, 2010 Staff and in-

proved, would be approximately tervenors file testimony

Commission Approves AGL Strategic Pipeline

Corridor Plan

T he Commission June 17 approved on a 4-1 vote two
Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) strategic corridors designed to extend natural gas service to White and Bryan Counties. The total estimated construction cost of the two projects
is $7 million. The Commission passed a motion by Commissioner Doug Everett to approve

the projects under the AGLC 6, 2009 in Dockets 8516 and Strategic Infrastructure Devel- 29950.
opment and Enhancement Pro- The projects are designed to gram, known as STRIDE, and extend natural gas service to the Integrated System Rein- areas currently not served and forcement Program, approved to promote economic developby the Commission on October ment in those areas. The
White County project will ex-
tend a 4" high pressure gas main approximately 10 miles from Clermont in Hall County

north along US 129 to Cleveland on Company filings, both counties sioner Robert Baker, Jr. to

in White County. The Bryan are projected to see substantial reduce the monthly charge to

County project consists of ap- population growth over the next zero for the Georgia Telecom-

proximately 3 miles of 6" high five years.

munications Relay Service (TRS)

pressure steel main beginning at In other action, the Commission: for the next three years. The

the 12" high pressure gas line 1. Approved unanimously the last reduction in the monthly

that runs from Jesup towards elimination of the surcharge all charge was in August 2006

Richmond Hill. This main will landline telecommunications con- when the Commission reduced

run along state and county sumers pay to fund services for the charge from $0.10 a month

roads towards I-95 where it will the state's hearing and sight im- to the current $0.05 a month.

terminate at the crossing of I-95 paired citizens. The Commission The reduction will continue to

and Belfast Siding Road. Based passed a motion by Commis-

(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 4

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

Commission to Hold Public Hearings on Rate Cases

The

Commission

will

hold

a

Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers; the AGLC hearing will be-

mission Staff will present an overview of the rate case filed

series of public hearings gin at 7 p.m.

by Georgia Power Company fol-

throughout the state on the September 13, in Atlanta, Geor- lowed by an opportunity for the

Georgia Power Company and At- gia, beginning at 6 p.m., Com- public to make their views

lanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) mission Offices in Room 110, 244 known.

requests to increase their current Washington Street, S.W. the The Commission is scheduled to

retail rates. The public hearing Commission will open a public make a final decision in the At-

schedule is as follows:

hearing on the AGLC rate case. lanta Gas Light Company rate

August 18, in Macon, Georgia, September 22, in Rome, Georgia, case at a Special Administrative

beginning at 6 p.m., Bibb County beginning at 6 p.m., Rome Civic Session on October 28, 2010, at

Commission Board Room, Bibb Center, 400 Civic Center Drive; 1:30 p.m. Any new rates would

County Courthouse, 601 Mulberry the AGLC hearing will begin at 7 take effect November 3, 2010.

Street, Room 407 the Commis- p.m.

The Commission will make a fi-

sion will hear the public on the October 4, in Atlanta, Georgia, nal decision in the Georgia

Georgia Power rate case. At 7 beginning at 6 p.m., Commission Power rate case at its regularly

p.m. the public will be heard on Offices in Room 110, 244 Wash- scheduled Administrative Ses-

the AGLC rate case.

ington Street, S.W. the Commis- sion on December 21, 2010 at

August 31, in Savannah, Georgia, beginning at 6 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 2 East Bay

sion will open the public hearing on the Georgia Power rate case, At each public hearing, the Com-

10:00 a.m. Any new rates would take effect January 1, 2011.

Commissioner McDonald Speaks at Opening of Atlanta Gas Light Customer Care Center

Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. July 13 applauded Atlanta Gas Light Resources (AGLR) for bringing nearly 75 jobs back to Georgia at AGLR's new Customer Care Center in Riverdale, Georgia. McDonald spoke at the opening of the Center.
(Continued on page 5)

Commissioner McDonald joins Governor Sonny Perdue and AGL officials at the Customer Care Center ribbon cutting

(Continued from page 2)

bly priced electric service.

plant retirements could affect

3.The Company agrees to up- 4.Requires a new mix study to the need for new generation re-

date its estimate of the cost of show the effect of potential new sources in this solicitation.

Unexpected Unserved Energy, federal regulations on fossil fuel This compromise results in an

which has not been updated generation. This study may lead additional sum that provides for

since 1992 and prepare a re- to additional coal plant retire- an equitable sharing of the

vised reserve capacity margin ments beyond the retirements benefits between the ratepay-

based on this estimate. This in- identified in the Company's filing. ers and Georgia Power, and is

formation will assist the Com- This study or studies are under- adequate to provide the Com-

pany and the Commission in en- way as part of the ongoing 2015 pany with a meaningful incen-

suring that the consumers have solicitation for new generation tive to ensure that the energy

access to reliable and reasona- sources because any potential

(Continued on page 5)

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 5

Lifeline-Linkup Week Coming in September

This year's Lifeline Linkup September 9 at a senior citizen credit, you must provide proof Week is September 12-18, workshop. Other participants ten- and certify under penalty of

2010, a national recognition of tatively slated to take part in the perjury that you are currently

this important asset to ensure event are representatives from participating in one of the fol-

that many low income residents AT&T, Atlanta Regional Commis- lowing programs.

have access to telecommunica- sion and Community Action Agen- 1.Temporary Assistance to

tions service. The Commission cies.

Needy Families (TANF)

in conjunction with the National Eligible participants must provide 2.Supplemental Security In-

Association of Regulatory Utility proof of participation in one of the come (SSI)

Commissioners and other Com- following programs:

3.Food Stamps

missions around the country will Link-Up Georgia reduces the cost 4.Medicaid

sponsor a number of events to of having a telephone installed by 5.Senior citizen low-income

make the public more aware of providing one-half of the connec- discount plan offered by the

this benefit.

tion charge or $30, whichever is local gas or power company

Governor Sonny Perdue has lesser, off the cost of having a 6.Federal Public Housing As-

proclaimed the week of Septem- telephone installed. However, sistance (FPHA)

ber 12-18 as Lifeline Linkup AT&T-Georgia credits 100% of the 7.Low-Income Home Energy

Week in Georgia. In addition, connection charges for its eligible Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

the Commission will kick off the Link-Up customers.

Additionally, local telephone

week with a news conference on In order to receive the Lifeline As- companies that receive dis-

sistance and/or Link-Up Georgia

(Continued on page 7)

Commissioner Wise Speaks to Leadership Forum in Columbus

Commissioner Stan Wise spoke June 23 to the

Industry Leaders in Public Pol-

icy Program sponsored by the

Greater Columbus Chamber of

Commerce.

The topic of Commissioner

Wise's

presentation was

"Energy, national trends, &

Looming Changes in the Market Place". Wise highlighted his commitment to promoting a free market system in the management of Georgia's electricity, natural gas and
telecommunications industries. Commissioner Wise is serving in his third term on the Commission.

Commission

AGL Call Center Opening serve customers of Atlanta Gas

Light Company which serves

Approves IRP (Continued from page 4)
efficiency programs are costeffective and hopefully successful, while still protecting the ratepayers from paying an excessive incentive. Consideration
of site specific biomass conversion of certain coal units.

(Continued from page 4)
"These jobs mean Georgians will be answering the telephones in Georgia and serving Georgians", said McDonald, who is currently serving as Chairman of the Geor-
gia Public Service Commission for 2010. "Georgia money will stay in Georgia to the benefit of all Georgia residents." The Customer Care Center will

more than 1.5 million customers in Georgia as well as AGLR's five other natural gas distribution companies in the Southeast. AGLR is bringing 74 new jobs to the Customer Care Center, jobs which had been outsourced overseas. Total employment at the CCC is 223.
(Continued on page 7)

PAGE 6

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

Commissioner H. Doug Everett Wants Georgia to be a Leader in CNG Fueling Stations for Commercial and Passenger Vehicles

Commissioner H. Doug Everett on July 29 chal-

of use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. Last summer, T.

lenged Atlanta Gas Light Com-

Boone Pickens' company, Clean

pany to develop a proposal to

Energy, opened a CNG refueling

construct the infrastructure for a

station down by the airport. This

network of compressed natural

past April, AT&T made a com-

gas (CNG) fueling stations to be

mitment to deploy 8,000 CNG

operated by retailers here in

fleet vehicles across the coun-

Georgia. His statement follows:

try. And on the heels of the BP

"Yesterday, AGL Resources an-

oil spill in the Gulf, there is re-

nounced a joint venture with El nation's tractor trailer traffic oc- newed interest in using CNG for

Paso Corporation to distribute curs in the Southeast where passenger vehicles.

LNG across the southeastern U.S. AGL and El Paso have infrastruc- Just this week Democratic lead-

for use in long-haul commercial fleets. Twenty-five percent of the

ture. There have velopments

also been other dein the advancement

ers in Congress announced their new energy bill and it includes

$4 billion in incentives for natural retailers here in Georgia. We a proposal in the coming

gas vehicles. The current version would begin with a handful of months to ensure that Georgia

includes between $10,000 and stations serving fleets and then is well ahead of competing

$64,000 in rebates for the pur- move into passenger cars.

states when Congress an-

chase of natural gas powered cars I want to renew my challenge to nounces grants and incentives."

and heavy trucks. Station fuelers Atlanta Gas Light to bring forth Commissioner Everett is cur-

could get up to $50,000 to install

rently in his second six year

CNG pumps.

term on the Commission. He

As my colleagues know, for the

was first elected to the Commis-

last twelve months I have been

sion in 2002. He served as Com-

discussing various business mod-

mission Chairman in 2004 and

els with AGL to construct the in-

2009.

frastructure for a network of CNG

fueling stations to be operated by

Commission Approves

grams are required under Geor- testimony

Strategic Corridor Plan gia law.

October 22, 2010 Staff and in-

2. Approved the filing and hear- tervenors file testimony

(Continued from page 3)

ing schedule for the upcoming November 8-10, 2010 Hear-

enable the Commission to col- Georgia Power rate case ex- ings: Staff and intervenors pre-

lect sufficient monies to fund pected to be filed with the Com- sent testimony

the TRS, the Telecommunica- mission on July 1, 2010 in November 19, 2010- Georgia

tions Equipment Distribution Docket Number 31958. The Power files rebuttal testimony

Program, the Audible Universal schedule is:

December 1-3, 2010 Hearings:

Information Access Service and July 1, 2010 Georgia Power Georgia Power presents rebuttal

the Hearing Aid Program while files its case and direct testimony testimony

eliminating any over collection. October 4-6, 2010 Hearings: December 8, 2010 All parties

All of the aforementioned pro- Georgia Power presents direct

(Continued on page 7)

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 7

Employee News

Sympathy

To: Lynn Buffington on the To the family of Betty Lucas, nature and her integrity. She never

passing of his father, Squire Commission employee, friend hesitated to give her opinion and

Buffington on July 2. The funeral and colleague who passed thereby gained our

was held July 4 in Zebulon, away August 4, 2010 after a respect and admira-

Georgia.

long battle with cancer.

tion. Funeral ser-

Betty came to the Commission vices were held on

in 2005 following the return of August 10 in Jones-

Transportation to the Commis- boro, Georgia with

sion from the Department of graveside services

Motor Vehicles. Betty will be in Hayneville, Ala-

remembered for her spirited bama on August 11.

Congratulations
To Bill Edge, Public Informa- To: Jamie Barber on her mar-

Lifeline-Linkup Week

tion Officer on his selection to riage June 12 to Jeff Aaron. Jamie (Continued from page 5) Captain in the Navy Reserve. is Director of the ARRA section in bursements from the universal

Bill is a Public Affairs Officer and the Internal Consultants Unit. has served in the Reserves for the past 25 years.

service fund (eligible telecommunications companies) will survey a random sampling of its

subscribers receiving the Lifeline

credit to ascertain subscribers'

continued eligibility to receive

To: Tom Bond, Director of Utilities and Heather

the discount. For more information, contact your current or prospective local

Borst, staff attorney, on their

telephone company. Be advised

marriage July 9 in Decatur.

that not all competitive local ex-

change carriers offer Lifeline/

Lifeline Linkup Week Strategic Corridors

AGL Call Center

Link-Up assistance. Therefore, (Continued from page 6)

(Continued from page 5)

you must ask the carrier file proposed orders

The Company says it has in-

whether these credits are avail- December 16, 2010 Energy vested $2.5 million to upgrade

able prior to making a commit- Committee, Advisory Staff pre- the facility.

ment.

sents recommendation

Commissioner McDonald is in

December 21, 2010 Commis- the second year of his six-year

sion issues its decision at Ad- term on the Georgia Public Ser-

ministrative Session

vice Commission after having

Georgia law requires the Com- been elected in December 2008.

mission to issue a decision on He previously served on the

the Company's rate request Commission from 1998 to 2002

within 180 days from the date as well as serving 20 years in the

the proposed new rates are Georgia General Assembly.

filed.

PAGE 8

GPSC NEWS

Commission News

Georgia State Holidays For 2010

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3
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

August 2010 3-Administrative Session 10-12-AGLC Hearings 12-Committees 17-Administrative Session
September 2010 2-Committees 7-Administrative Session 13-14-AGL hearings 16-Committees 21-Administrative Session 30-Committees

Commission Calendar

October 2010 4-6-Georgia Power hearings 5-Administrative Session 14-Committees 19-Administrative Session 28-Committees
November 2010 2-Administrative Session 10-Committees 16-Committees

NARUC
Annual Convention 2010 November 15-18, 2010 Atlanta, Georgia
Winter Meeting 2011 February 13-17, 2011 Washington, D.C.
Summer Meeting 2011 July 17-20, 2011 Los Angeles, California

SEARUC
Annual Meeting 2011 June 21-24, 2011 Nashville, Tennessee
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