GPSC news, Vol. 11, no. 1 (Winter 2011)

GPSC

GPSC News Winter 2011

Volume 10 Issue 1
*Georgia Power *$10.76 monthly increase *ROE of 11.15% *Sets earnings band between 10.25% and 12.25% *Base rate increase of $562.3 million

Commission Decides Georgia Power Rate Case

In this issue

Legislative Update

2

Wise Takes Helm as Com- 3

mission Chair

Commission Approves Low Income Grant

3

T the case all signed off on Sets an earnings he Commission on the settlement that will band between 10.25 perDecember 21 vot- mean an average in- cent and 12.25 percent.

Busted Pipes Flood Consumer Affairs

3 ed 4-1 to approve a set- crease of about $10.76 Any earnings above tlement agreement in the in the average residential 12.25 percent will be Georgia Power Company customer's monthly bill. shared two-thirds with

Baker Retires from Commission

4 rate case docket that ad- Other items in the ap- customers.
justs the Company's base proved settlement in- The Company will not

rates beginning January clude:

file a general rate case

NARUC in Atlanta

5 1, 2011. The Company, Sets the Company's unless its retail earnings
the Commission's Public return on equity (ROE) at are projected to be below

Echols Displays CNG Car 5 Interest Advocacy Staff, 11.15 percent

10.25 percent

and eight other parties in

(Continued on page 2)

NARUC Donates to Project 6

SHARE

Employee News

7

Commission Calendar

8

Next Issue May 2011

Echols Takes Office as Newest Commissioner

Co m m is s io n e r Tim Echols took the oath of office December 21 and began his sixyear term on the Commission on January 1, 2011. Governor Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Echols as Echols's wife held the Bible. Echols' seven chil-

dren, parents and other friends and colleagues also attended. Echols won election to the Commission in the general election of November, 2010 after spending 15 years in the non-
(Continued on page 2)

PAGE 2

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

Legislative News

Nathan Deal was inaugurated as Georgia's 82nd

tions Committees. Commission Chairman Stan

Governor on January 10, 2011

Wise presented

the same day that lawmakers

the Commission's

returned to the State Capitol

Amended Fiscal

for the beginning of the 2011

Year 2011 budget

Georgia General Assembly.

to the House Eco-

Deal defeated former Governor

nomic Develop-

Roy Barnes in the November

ment Subcommit-

election to continue Republican

tee on January

control of the Governor's offic- 24, 2011.

es.

The House should pass out the

Deal delivered his first State of Amended Budget in February when

the State address to lawmakers the Senate will begin it considera-

on January 12.

tion of the state budgets.

With the convening of the legis-

lature comes the annual budget writing process and the Commission's presentations to the House and Senate Appropria-

If you have a story for the next GPSC News, please send to Bill Edge, bille@psc.state.ga.us. Next issue deadline is April 15, 2011.

Chairman Stan Wise presents the Commission's Amended
Fiscal Year 2011 Budget to the House Economic Development
Subcommittee

Echols Takes Office

(Continued from page 1)

paign focused on consumer pro- Echols has a strong interest in

profit sector. Echols founded tection, clean energy, and ac- the transportation responsibili-

"TeenPact" and grew the mock countability. He plans to travel ties of the Commission. In that

legislative youth program to 38 the state speaking to high school regard, he was instrumental in

states in his tenure. He contin- and college students as well as persuading a Macon television

ues to serve on the group's civic groups about the importance station to do an investigative

Board of Directors.

of reliable energy at low prices report on "rogue" moving com-

Echols noted that one of his and other aspects of the Commis- panies who are in violation of

goals as a college student while sion's responsibilities. Additional- the law and hurting legitimate

at the University of Georgia was ly, Echols has a goal to tour every businesses. Additionally, he

to become a statewide elected power plant owned by Georgia promotes the use of CNG

official and that he has now Power during his first year in of- (compressed natural gas) as a

achieved that goal. Echols' cam- fice.

(Continued on page 4)

Commission Decides Georgia Power Rate Case

(Continued from page 1)

sion to increase its base retail any new proposed rates within

Increases Georgia Power rates by $1.2 billion over three 180 days of the Company's fil-

base rate revenues by approxi- years. During this rate proceed- ing.

mately $562.3 million for 2011 ing, the Commission held three The Commission decided the



rounds of hearings in Atlanta as last Georgia Power rate reProvides for a three-year rate

well as additional meetings for quest on December 18, 2007

plan for a total base rate reve- public input in Macon, Rome and in Docket 25060.

nue increase of $844.6 million Savannah.

Georgia Power filed a request on Georgia law requires the Com-

July 1, 2010 with the Commis- mission to issue a decision on

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 3

Wise Takes Helm as Commission Chair in 2011

Commissioner Stan Wise begins a one-year term as

ly recognized expert on energy matters, having testified numer-

Chairman of the Commission for

ous times before Congress.

2011, taking the gavel from out-

He is an active participant in the

going Chairman Lauren "Bubba"

National Association of Regulator

McDonald, Jr. The Commission

Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

Chairmanship is rotated annually

and served as NARUC President

among the five Commission

in 2003-2004. He serves on the

members based on Georgia law

NARUC International Relations

and Commission rules.

Committee and the Gas Commit-

This will be Wise's fourth tenure

tee. He is also a past President of

as Chair, having previously

the Southeastern Association of

chaired the Commission in 1997,

Regulatory Utility Commission-

1999 and 2006.

ers. (SEARUC)

Wise has served on the five-

Commissioner Wise's complete

member regulatory panel since

biography is on the Commission

1995. He won re-election to his mission in November 2006. web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.

third six-year term on the Com- Commissioner Wise is a national-

Commission Approves $5 Grant to Help Low Income Senior Citizens

T (USF). Atlanta Gas Light Compahe Commission January ny and the natural gas marketers 18 unanimously approved will receive $4 million to be used

tomers during this extremely

a $5 million grant to provide re- as a line item credit, "Georgia

cold 2011

lief for low-income senior citizens PSC Credit", on qualified senior

winter

who are natural gas customers in citizens bills. The remaining $1

heating

the Atlanta Gas Light Company million will be distributed to the season," said Commissioner

(AGLC) distribution area. The Salvation Army to provide addi- H. Doug Everett, who made

Commission directed that the tional relief.

the proposal during the Com-

money be allocated from the nat- "We are pleased that we are able mission's Administrative Ses-

ural gas Universal Service Fund to assist these natural gas cus- sion.

Busted Pipes Flood Consumer Affairs

The deep freeze that hit Georgia just before Christmas did more than drop temperatures into the teens, it caused the pipes in the heating units in Consumer Affairs to burst. The water spread throughout the first floor area occupied by Consumer Affairs, forcing employees to evacuate

their offices and work out of temporary locations. The problem first surfaced on the afternoon of December 17. The Georgia Building Authority brought in dehumidifiers to start the drying out process. However, additional pipes gave way on
(Continued on page 5)

PAGE 4

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

Baker Retires from Commission

Fellow Commissioners, Commission staff, friends and family joined together on December 16 to wish Commissioner Robert Baker farewell as he prepares to head off into the private section. After 18 years in office, Commissioner Baker is joining the Cobb County law firm of Freeman, Mathis and Gary LLP. According to a release from the firm, Baker will represent clients on energy and technology issues including both private companies and governmental entities. Baker did not seek re-election to the Commission for a fourth term. He is being succeeded by

Tim Echols who

won the seat in

the November

2010 election.

When he was

elected in 1992,

Baker was the first

Republican to be

elected to a

statewide office

since Reconstruc-

tion. He was on

the only Republi-

can on the Com-

mission until 1995

when he was

joined by fellow

Administrative Assistant Cheryl Vinson, wife Jocelyn Baker and Commissioner Baker at the
reception for Baker on December 16, 2010

Republican Stan Wise. The Commission soon gained a Republi-

can majority when Commission Bob Durden switched from the Democratic to the Republican party. "It's been a privilege working here and I will miss it," said Baker at his retirement party. "It's been quite an experience," Baker added. Baker thanked the Commission staff and especially his longtime assistant Cheryl Vinson who has been with Baker since 1996.

Commissioners Chuck Eaton and Doug Everett wish Commission-
er Baker farewell

Commission Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. speaks at Commissioner Baker's farewell

Echols Takes Office as New Commissioner

(Continued from page 2)

tion barn.

grade at Athens Christian

transportation fuel and hopes Echols attended the University of School.

one day America will be less de- Georgia where he served as Bap- Echols and his wife Windy have

pendent on foreign oil.

tist Student Union President. He seven children and have been

Echols attended North Clayton met his wife Windy there and they married 27 years and live in

High School in Riverdale, Geor- were married shortly after Echols Winterville, just outside Athens.

gia where he served as Student graduated. Windy went on to He received a Bachelor of Arts

Council President. He also graduate with a teaching degree and two Masters Degrees from

owned his own car clean-up from Georgia State University. the University of Georgia.

shop, housed in the family auc- She currently teaches second

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 5

Annual NARUC Convention in Atlanta

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners held its 112nd annual convention in Atlanta on November 1316, 2010. Commissioners and staff attended and participated in several committee meetings. Appearances by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski highlighted the gathering. The convention was filled with NARUC Committee and staff subcommittee meetings. Consumer Affairs

Commissioners Stan Wise and Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. enjoy the NARUC luncheon with Commissioners from across the country during the annual
NARUC convention in Atlanta

Director Mike Nantz and Consumer Operations Analyst Will Culbreath briefed the Staff Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs on the consumer affairs web based consumer complaint system. Consumer Affairs and Public Information staff members from ten state commissions attended the gathering.
(Continued on page 6)

Commissioner Echols Displays CNG Car

Commissioner Tim Echols displayed his Compressed Natural Gas vehicle to interested news media reporters and others on January 20 outside the Commission offices. Echols purchased the used 1999 Honda Civic sedan in December 2010. He says his car has an average range between fill-ups of 180 miles. Echols paid $3000 for the car and believes his new ride will give

Commissioner Echols chats with reporters about his CNG car

him great service as he drives between his home in Athens and the Capitol. "Most people don't know that CNG cars can drive in the HOV lane with just the driver," said Echols. "This benefit alone should motivate frustrated commut-

ers to consider CNG as an alter- Consumer Affairs Flood

native fuel."

Georgia currently has only two (Continued from page 3)

worked to stop

public fueling stations providing December 20 further the water and

CNG services, both of which are compounding the begin the clean up

in the south metro area of Atlan- problem. Consumer process. Consum-

ta. Echols has refilled his Honda Affairs Director er Affairs returned

at both stations, run by Clean Mike Nantz sent his to nearly normal

Energy and PS Energy.

call center folks home operations on De-

"I have always felt the best way to telework while cember 27.

to lead is by example, if at all Georgia Building Au(Continued on page 6) th ority personn el

PAGE 6

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

NARUC Donates to Project SHARE

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) announced November 16 that the group has donated $1500 to Project SHARE in lieu of speaker gifts during the NARUC Annual Meeting in Atlanta. NARUC made the donation at the urging of Commissioner Stan Wise. "Project SHARE helps make the difference for those who are facing disastrous situations due to lack of resources and NARUC is glad to assist this worthwhile charity," said Commissioner Wise.

In 1985, the Salvation Army Founded in 1889, the Association

Georgia Division established is an invaluable resource for its

Project Share to provide emer- members and the regulatory

gency assistance for the elder- community, providing a venue to

ly, families and other Geor- set and influence public policy,

gians facing crisis situations. share best practices, and foster

Each year SHARE assists more innovative solutions to improve

than 40,000 people affected by regulation. NARUC drew over

illness, job loss or other unfor- 1200 attendees to Atlanta with an

tunate situations. .

estimate economic impact of

NARUC is the national associa- nearly $1 million. This is the se-

tion representing the State Pub- cond NARUC annual meeting in

lic Service Commissioners who Atlanta in the past six years.

regulate essential utility ser- The next NARUC Annual Conven-

vices, including energy, telecom- tion will take place November 13

munications, and water. NARUC -16, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri.

members are responsible for as-

suring reliable utility service at

fair, just, and reasonable rates.

Mike Nantz and Will Culbreath brief the Consumer Affairs Staff Subcommittee during NARUC Atlanta
Meeting

Jamie Barber and Sallie Tanner at the Annual NARUC Convention

(Continued from page 5)
Commissioner Tony Clark of the North Dakota Public Service Commission took office as NARUC President from outgoing President David Coen of the Vermont Public Service Board.

Echols Displays CNG American resource and that most based on criteria to be estab-

Vehicle

of our national trade deficit is lished by the PSC. In addition

because of foreign oil.

to building fueling infrastruc-

(Continued from page 5)

Atlanta Gas Light Company, one ture, AGL's announced pro-

possible," said Echols. "It's one of the two gas utilities regulated gram would include a low cost

thing to encourage investment in by the Georgia PSC, has a pro- leasing option for individual

alternative energy, but being able posal currently under review at customers and small business-

to speak from personal experi- the PSC where the utility would es to install home refueling

ence may enable me to convince install refueling equipment at appliances at their residences

other public officials to do the public stations operated by pri- or places of business.

same thing." Echols said he be- vate companies. Funds would be The AGL proposal will be vot-

lieves that many officials will be dispensed from the state's natu- ed on by the Commission in

interested because CNG is an ral gas universal service fund

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 7

Employee News

Eaton and Echols Meet with French Consul

The French Consul and his staff paid a visit to the Commission on January 19. Pascal Le Deunff, Consul General of France along with his Press Attache, Claire Collbert and Serge Hanoca, Director for Energy and Industrial Affairs, chatted with Commissioners Chuck Eaton and Tim Echols. Commissioner Echols said, "It was my honor to meet with the

French General Consul and discuss nuclear waste recycling and reprocessing. The French derive 80% of their electricity from nuclear power and have developed the reprocessing technology that I hope we can employ here in Georgia and the United States."

Congratulations Commissioners Take Part in White County

Pipeline Opening

o Rob Trokey who recently
Tgot married to his fianc, C Giang in Vietnam on January 5,

ommissioners Doug Everett and

2011. Co-workers held a cele- Lauren "Bubba'

bration in the couple's honor on McDonald, Jr. took

January 31, 2011.

part in the ceremoni-

al wrench turning Janu-

ary 19 that officially

opened the new natural

gas line in White Coun-

ty. They joined Atlan-

ta Gas Light President

Suzanne Sitherwood

and Cleveland Mayor

Don STanley in Cleve- land for the official opening.

Farewell

Commissioners, staff, friends and family bid farewell and

fond retirement to Gary Mason

on January 26 as Gary retires

from the Commission with over

12 years of service. Gary worked

in the Underground Facilities

Protection section as a GUFPA Pipeline Safety colleagues join
analyst. Gary officially retired on to wish Garry a great retirement
January 31.

Chairman Stan Wise presented

the state.

to help celebrate Gary's ven-

Gary with a proclamation from

Governor Nathan Deal com- Everyone joined in to partake of ture into retirement.

cake, punch and other goodies

mending him for his service to

PAGE 8

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1

Commission News

Commission Calendar

Georgia State Holidays For 2011

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 3 January 17 April 25 May 30 July 4 September 5 October 10 November 11 November 24 November 25 December 26 December 23

January 2011 4-Administrative Session 13-Committees 18-Administrative Session 20-Vogtle hearing 27-Committees
February 2011 1-Administrative Session 10-Committees 15-Administrative Session 24-Committees

Commission Calendar

March 2011 1-Administrative Session 10-Committees 15-Administrative Session 24-Committees
April 2011 5-Administrative Session 14-Committees 19-Administrative Session 28-Committees

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

SEARUC
Annual Meeting 2011 June 12-15, 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 Stan Wise, Chairman Chuck Eaton, Vice-Chairman
Tim Echols H. Doug Everett Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Flannagan
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Reece McAlister