GPSC news, Winter 2015

Georgia Public Service Commission

GPSC News Winter

Winter

2015

2015

Volume 13 Issue 2

Commission Hears Testimony on Plant

*Staff and consultant testimony on December 16, 2014

Vogtle Construction Project

*Rebuttal hearing cancelled *Decision due on February 19, 2015 *Georgia Power files next report on February 27, 2015
In this issue

C ommission staff and consultants presented testimony on December 16, 2014 as the Commission wrapped up hear-

Analyst Steve Roetger and Consultants Philip Hayet and Carey Cook. The Commission is scheduled to issue its decision in this docket

Echols Hosts Unholy Tour 2
Commissioners Everett and 3 McDonald Take Oath of Office for New Terms

ings on the Eleventh Plant Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report. The Commission cancelled the rebuttal

during the Administrative Session on February 19, 2015. Georgia Power is Steve Roetger and Bill Jacobs scheduled to file the

Eaton Re-elected Chair

hearings set for Janu3 ary 20, 2015 after

present testimony to the Commission

Twelfth Vogtle Construction Monitoring

Georgia Power notified

Report on February 27,

Commissioner Approves Additional Solar Energy

4 the Commission the Company would file

2015. Georgia Power an-

Commission Files Comments 4 on Proposed EPA Rules

no rebuttal testimony. During the hearing the Commissioners

nounced on January 29, 2015 that the two units completion dates will be

Commission Approves Solar 5 Projects at Three Georgia Military Bases

heard testimony from

the

independent

Vogtle Construction

delayed by 18 months. Unit 3 estimated completion date is 2019

EPA Proposed Clean Power 6 Rules

Monitor Bill Jacobs,

while Unit 4 completion

Commission

Utility Audience listens to hearing testimony date is 2020.

Employee News

7
Wise Named NARUC Gas Committee Chair

Commission Calendar

8

Next Issue April 2015

T he President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Commissioner Lisa Polak on January 8 appointed Commissioner Stan Wise as Chair of NARUC's Committee on Gas. Through panel discussions and educational sessions, the Gas Committee fosters awareness and understanding of issues affect-

Commissioner Wise

ing the transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas safely, efficiently, and economically. Committee members work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. departments of Energy and Transportation. Commissioner Wise is a former past President of NARUC who served in
(Continued on page 2)

PAGE 2

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

Commissioner Echols Hosts "Unholy Tour"

O n Tuesday evening, January 20, 2015, Commissioner Tim Echols assembled a group of legislators, elected officials and concerned citizens for what he called an "Unholy Tour." Echols, using a donated bus from Samson Trailways, took the group into areas of Atlanta where sex trafficking and prostitution is rampant. "Sex Trafficking is a blight on our city and state," Echols said. "We hope this tour will aid lawmakers in their effort to effectively reduce this heinous activity." Leading the tour was Kasey McClure from the 4Sarah organization. 4Sarah's mission is to provide outreach to women

The Tour Bus

who are still in "the life" and to coordinate with other organizations to provide support and counseling to those who have gotten out. Echols said he got the idea from the movie "Amazing Grace" where William Wilberforce, the British Parliamentarian, rented a boat and took fellow lawmakers for a tour of the London harbor with a sobering stop near a slave ship. There, Wilberforce told them a gruesome story of how slaves were captured, transported and treated. He successfully ended the slave trade after
If you have a story for the next GPSC News, please send to Bill Edge, bille@psc.state.ga.us. Next issue deadline is March 15, 2015.

working for over two decades on the effort. Commissioner Echols, an Atlanta native, and a father of four daughters, said he is very concerned about the men enslaving these women, and the men purchasing their services from "pimps" in the Atlanta area. Echols said that on a global scale, human trafficking, also known as "modern day slavery," is the second largest criminal enterprise after drug trafficking. The number of victims to-

day (28 million)

far surpasses

the number of

victims of the

transatlantic

slave trade

(~15 million).

According to

the Carter Cen-

ter, Atlanta is

ranked number

Commissioner Echols

one

for

Commercial

Sexual Exploitation of Children in

the United States with between

100 and 200 girls sold into slavery each month. "The out-of-control sex trade in Atlanta is intrinsically tied to the abominable act of human trafficking occurring in our nation," said Echols. "We all need to work to end it and put those responsible for enslaving these women in prison for a long time." Commissioner Echols is in his fifth year on the Georgia Public Service Commission, having
(Continued on page 6)

Wise Named NARUC Gas Committee Chair

(Continued from page 1)
2003-2004. "I am honored to be able to chair this committee as this is an incredible time to be involved in the regulated gas industry" Commissioner Wise said. "The shale gas boom is reshaping the U.S. energy sector both domestically

and abroad. With prices at historic lows, we have a responsibility to ensure consumers are the beneficiaries of any new policies and regulations. We also must always keep our collective eye firmly planted on the safety of our pipeline systems. There is much work in front of us and I look forward to working with my
colleagues go-

ing forward," said Commissioner Wise. Commissioner Wise is serving in his fourth term on the Commission. His full biography is found at the Commission web site at http://www.psc.state.ga.us/ content.aspx?c=/ commissioners/stan-wise/? tab=2.

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 3

Commissioners Doug Everett and Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Sworn In for New Terms

G overnor Nathan Deal on December 16, 2014 adminis-

first term in 2002 by then Governor Roy Barnes.

tered the oath of office to Com-

McDonald's wife Shelley, son

missioners Doug Everett and

Lauren McDonald III, daughter in

Lauren "Bubba" McDonald as

law Claire McDonald, his three

they begin new six-year terms

grandchildren Wylie, Ridley and

on the Commission. Everett, of

Hayley, and mother-in-law

Albany, Georgia, was joined by

Rozelle Walker watched Commis-

his wife, Janice, his son Mitch

sioner McDonald, of Habersham

Everett, and daughter Denice

County Georgia, take his oath of

Delk and granddaughter Katie

office. McDonald begins his sec-

Delk for his swearing in. "I am

honored

that

the

voters

have

Shelley McDonald looks on as her husband Commissioner Lauren "Bubba"

ond full term on the Commission. He was first elected in

again placed their trust in me to McDonald (left) takes the oath of office 1998 and then elected to a full

ensure that we can provide just from Governor Nathan Deal (right)

term in 2008. "I will continue to

and reasonable suring that we

rates have

while enfinancially third term on the Commission. Ev-

see that Georgia has safe, affordable and reliable energy to

and technically capable utilities," erett placed his hand on the same said Everett. Everett begins his Bible he took the oath on for his

provide an economically state," said McDonald.

vibrant

Commissioner Doug Everett (left) takes the oath of office as his wife Janice Everett( center)
looks on

Commissioner McDonald and his family pose following the
swearing in

The Everett family gathers in the Governor's Office follow-
ing the swearing in

Eaton Re-elected Commission Chairman

T he Commission November 4, 2014 unanimously reelected Commissioner Chuck Eaton for another two year term as Chairman of the Commission. Senate Bill 483, passed in March 2012, gave the Commissioners the right to select their own leadership. The law also changed the term of this position from one to two

years for greater continuity and stability and with the opportunity to re-elect that person for one additional two year term. Commissioner Eaton has

served as chairman during 2013 and 2014. Commissioner Eaton, who the voters re-elected to another six -year term on the Commission in November 2012, said that "he was honored and humbled to be selected by his colleagues for this position."

PAGE 4

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

Commission Approves Additional 515 Megawatts of Solar Generation; Adds Solar Project at King's Bay Naval Base

T he Commission December 16, 2014 took another

"These projects will move Georgia forward in adding solar ener-

step in the expansion of solar

gy to our energy portfolio with-

energy in our state with the

out putting upward pressure on

unanimous approval and certi-

rates," said Commission Vice-

fication of ten solar power pur-

chair Doug Everett.

chase agreements (PPA) for

Commissioner Tim Echols add-

the Georgia Power Company.

ed, "Georgia is doing solar differ-

These projects will add more

ent than California, Arizona and

than 515 megawatts (MW) of

Germany with our emphasis on

solar generation to the Compa- will have nearly 900 MW of solar utility scale projects," said Ech-

ny's energy mix. The approval energy on line by the end of ols. "We didn't subsidize nor re-

of these PPAs is part of the 2016.

quire power companies to reach

Company's 2015 and 2016 Ad- "This Commission continues to some lofty percentage of genera-

vanced Solar Initiative (ASI) lead way in new solar genera- tion--and as a result the market

Prime and its 2015 ASI in tion, which will produce jobs and will actually put downward pres-

Docket numbers 38877 and savings for consumers," said

sure on rates."

39028. After the completion of Commissioner Lauren

The ASI-Prime portfolio consists

these projects, Georgia Power "Bubba" McDonald.

of the following projects which

total 438.67 MW: Decatur Parkway Solar Project, LLC Butler Solar, LLC LS-Pawpaw, LLC White Pine Solar, LLC White Oak Solar, LLC Live Oak Solar, LLC The term for most of these PPAs is 30 years and the projects are expected to be online either by the end of 2015 or 2016. The projects in the ASI

which total 76.58 MW are:

which the Company submits

Decatur County Solar Project, every three years for Commis-

LLC

sion action.

Hecate Energy Old Midville The Commission also approved a

Road, LLC

solar energy project between

Solar Glynn, LLC

Georgia Power and the U.S. Na-

Butler Solar Farm, LLC

vy to initiate a 30 MW solar pro-

The term for these projects is 20 ject at King's Bay Naval Subma-

years and these projects are ex- rine Base near St. Mary's, Geor-

pected to be online by the end of gia in southeast Georgia. This

2015.All of the above projects project is also scheduled to come

were initiated as a result of Geor- on-line in 2016. This project is

gia Power's 2010 and 2013 Inte- based upon capacity from the

grated Resource Plans (IRP) recently cancelled Plant Mitchell

Georgia Public Service Commission Files Comments on EPA Proposed Clean Power Rule

T he Commission, in comments filed December 2, 2014, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urged the EPA to "significantly modify" the proposed "Clean Power Plan Rule" filed by EPA on June 2, 2014 under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. In its comments, the Commission not-

ed that "the proposed rule is unclear and will create difficulties for regulators and ratepayers in Georgia. We request an adjustment to Georgia's final goal to relieve the hardship we believe the rules, as written, will impose." Commission Chairman Chuck Eaton said, "I think the pro-

posed rule unfairly penalizes Georgia for the progress we've already made in reducing carbon emissions." The EPA originally requested comments by October 16, 2014, however due to the overwhelming response from all parties, the EPA extended the comment
(Continued on page 5)

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 5

Commission Approves Solar Energy Installations at Three Georgia Military Bases

The Commission Octo-

solar installations

ber 23, 2014 unani-

will provide power

mously approved the

to Georgia Power

construction of three

customers but if

solar photovoltaic instal-

needed can also

lations on three Georgia

generate power

military bases as part of

exclusively for

a partnership between

each base.

the Georgia Power Com-

"These facilities

pany and the U.S. Army.

will further pro-

The three bases are Fort

mote the advance

Benning, Fort Gordon

of solar energy in

and Fort Stewart. All

Georgia while at

three projects are

the same time

scheduled to be com-

meeting the

pleted before the end of 2016 and will generate

Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald announces the Commission approval of the projects at a Capitol news conference. Also with McDonald are (left to right): Georgia Power Pres-

military's renewable energy

up to 30 megawatts of ident Paul Bowers, Amanda Simpson, Maj. Gen. Al Aycock, goals," said

electricity each. The

McDonald, CAPT John Kleim, Commissioner Everett

Commissioner

Lauren "Bubba" McDonald during a news conference at the State Capitol. Taking part in the announcement was Commissioner Doug Everett, U.S. Army Major General Al Aycock, Director of Operations, Office of the Chief of Staff for Installation Management, U.S. Navy Captain John Kliem, Deputy Director of the Navy Renewable Energy Program Office, Amanda Simpson, Executive Direc-

tor, Army Office of Energy Initi- day will help these bases re-

atives and Georgia Power Com- main a permanent fixture in

pany President Paul Bowers.

their respective regions of the

"Not only is this power for today state."

but this is power for the future and Georgia Power filed its plan for

the right kind of power," said Major these facilities on May 15, 2014

General Aycock. "This will ensure as part of its Renewable Action

that Fort Benning, Fort Stewart Plan under the 2007 Integrated

and Fort Gordon have the energy Resources Plan (IRP). The

they need to accomplish their mis- Commission's order in the 2007

sion," Aycock added.

IRP required any projects to be

"The military continues to lead the equal to or less than the Com-

way in the development of renewa- pany's avoided costs meaning

ble energy," said Commissioner

(Continued on page 6)

Tim Echols. "I hope our action to-

EPA Rules
(Continued from page 4)
period to December 1, 2014. The EPA also held public hearings on the proposed rule in four cities around the country including Atlanta on July 28 and 29, 2014. The Commission comments further addressed concerns on the Building Block methodology EPA uses to arrive at Georgia's pro-

posed emission reductions. In particular, the Commission said "the proposed rule treats the two nuclear power units now under construction at Plant Vogtle as though they were existing resources. As such, "the rule appears to be punitive to Georgia and its citizens. Georgia's investment in carbonfree energy should be given full credit toward compliance with the proposed rules." The Commission comments also addressed con-

cerns with the other building blocks on Heat Rate, Natural Gas Re-dispatch, Renewables and Energy Efficiency/Demandside Management (DSM). The Commission's comments on the EPA proposal pointed out multiple ways the proposed rule is inequitable and treats Georgia unfairly. The key points are summarized below:
(Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

GPSC NEWS

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

EPA Rules

(Continued from page 5)

Interstate Transfer and Plant

rate, which is well above the

1. Planning Authority. The pro- Siting. The current proposal as 30% average required emissions

posal jeopardizes the Commis-

written is not clear on how to

reduction across all states.

sion's state planning authority in split the emissions from a coal Stranded Assets and Rate Pres-

approving the investor owned

plant that provides power for

sure. As a result of the proposed

utility's Integrated Resources Plan multiple states.

rule, ratepayers will be required

(IRP) and intrudes on state au- 3. Benchmark Date. There also to pay for new generation

thority. The comments state: The appears to be some inconsisten- sources as well as previously in-

rule, by imposing a one-size-fits- cies regarding the year used as stalled environmental compliance

all type of guidelines based on

an initial benchmark for carbon measures for units that will have

other states, does not provide

emissions The proposed rules to be retired.

state regulators with tools to

use 2012 as the benchmark date In summary, the Commission

meet proposed goals on what

for all emissions although the urged EPA to modify the rule.

may work in Georgia.

goals are in reference to reduc- The comments conclude with:

2. Complexity and Timing. The

tions from 2005 levels to align "without revisions and clarifica-

proposed rule is extremely com- with President Obama's Climate tions, this rule will be unduly

plex with an aggressive timeline Action Plan.

burdensome on Georgians plac-

for planning and compliance that 4. Equity between States. Geor- ing upward pressure on electrici-

will make both developing and

gia is mandated with a 48% re- ty rates, an unacceptable out-

implementing a plan difficult.

duction in its carbon intensity come ."

Solar Projects

(Continued from page 5)

senior citizens for the period of

no upward pressure on rates.

November 2014 through October

According to the Company's fil-

2015. The six participating agen-

ing, these projects will contrib-

cies will administer the funds by

ute towards the Army's man-

their approved allocations. "The

dates regarding renewable ener-

commission action today pre-

gy and energy security and rep-

serves an important program

resent a significant investment

that helps low income seniors

in Georgia Army bases.

make their home more energy

In other action the Commis-

efficient," said Commissioner

sion:

Tim Echols. "Over 900 home-

1. Approved $1 million for the ter Heater Repair and Replace- owners have benefited from this Emergency Gas Heater and Wa- ment Program for low-income program by receiving either a

hot water heater or a furnace or

both. "

2. Approved $16 million in

Universal Service Fund (USF)

expenditures to extend Atlan-

ta Gas Light pipelines in Ap-

pling County Phase-I that will

ultimately serve Southeast-

ern Peanut and Gin and Clax- tinued Atlanta Gas Light line-

ton Poultry and any other extension in Appling County

new customers that want Phase-II, and Phase-II of the

natural gas service.

project will be funded either

3. Approved $6 million in USF with future USF dollars or by

expenditures for two pro- the Customer Growth Pro-

jects. The first is for the con- gram. The second is for the

Fannin County Project.

Unholy Tour
(Continued from page 2)
been elected statewide in November, 2010. His complete biography and photo are found on the Commission web site at http:// www.psc.state.ga.us/pscinfo/ bios/echols.asp?tab=Tab2.

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2

GPSC NEWS

PAGE 7

Employee News

Commission Celebrates the Holidays

T he Commission December 18, 2014 celebrated the holidays and its employees service with the Annual Holiday and Faithful Service Awards Luncheon. During the program before the luncheon, ten employees were awarded for their faithful service ranging from five to 20 years. Those employees were Five years : Reggie Nelson;10 years: Onterio Johnson; 15 years: Cathy Nesbitt, Jeff Stair, Ann McCullough and Jada Brock.

1st floor lobby Christmas Tree

Chairman Eaton Opens the Program

Holiday Luncheon

20 years: Tom Bond, John McCarter. Following the awards program, everyone enjoyed a holiday lunch-

eon which included salads, meats, side dishes and plenty of desserts to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

Echols Presents Green Initiative
Award

Welcome

Farewell

T T o Lynn Page, who began December 15, 2015, as Adminis-

o Barbara Wolfe, Administrative Assistant to Commis-

trative Assistant to Commissioners sioners Everett and McDonald.

Everett and McDonald. Lynn came Barbara retired December 31,

to the Commission from a market- 2014 after 11 years of service

ing representatives for a security with the Commission.

software firm. She has a Bachelor's To Chris Wellborn, Pipeline

Degree in Marketing.

Safety Inspector, who left the

To Nick Cooper who began Octo- Commission on December 31,

ber 24, 2014 as an analyst in the 2014.

Electric Section. Nick is from Seat- We wish both of them good luck

tle, Washington and has a Masters in their future endeavors!

Degree from Georgia Tech.

Wise Takes Part in NARUC Panel on Media Relations

C ommissioner Stan Wise took part in a panel discus-

sion at the Annual NARUC Meeting

C ommissioner Tim Echols presented a Green

in San Francisco in November 2014. The topic of the panel was

Initiative Award to Windstream

"Are You Ready for Your Close-

Communications for reducing

up?", which focused on communi-

energy consumption at two of

cating with the public and news

its locations by 28 percent.

media. Pictured with Commission-

The Company used air condi-

er Wise are Commissioner Sheila

tioning refrigerant by EcoCool Commissioner Wise Takes Part in Panel Tipton of Iowa and Commissioner

Enterprises.

at NARUC Meeting in San Francisco Brian Kalk, North Dakota .

PAGE 8

GPSC NEWS

Georgia State Holidays for 2015

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 2
Commission Calendar

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

January 1 January 19 April 27 May 25 July 3 September 7 October 12 November 11 November 26 November 27 December 24 December 25

February 2015 3-Administrative Session 12-Committees 17-Administrative Session 26-Committees March 2015 3-Administrative Session 12-Committees 17-Administrative Session April 2015 2-Committees 7-Administrative Session 12-Committees

Commission Calendar

21-Administrative Session 27-Holiday 30-Committees May 2015 5-Administrative Session 14-Committees 25-Holiday 19-Administrative Session 28-Committees

NARUC
Winter Meetings 2015 February 15-18, 2015 Washington, D.C.
Summer Meetings 2015 July 12-15, 2015 New York City, N.Y.
Annual Meeting 2015 November 8-11, 2015 Austin, Texas

SEARUC
Annual Meeting 2015 June 14-17, 2015 San Antonio, Texas
GPSC ONLINE:.psc.state.ga.us

T he 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 Chuck Eaton, Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr.,
Vice-Chairman Tim G. Echols Doug Everett
Stan Wise
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Flannagan
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Reece McAlister