GPSC GPSC News Volume 8 Issue 3 *Energy pending before Congress *Commissioners talk to Georgia Delegation *Bill Now in Senate *Passed House in June Commissioners Meet Summer 2009 Georgia Lawmakers on Energy Bill In this issue Budget Cuts in June 2 Legislative Hearing 2 Commission Penalizes 3 Stream Energy Commission Receives Grant 3 Commission Sponsors Large 4 Project Meeting Commission Receives Patriot 4 Award Commission Continues Work 5 Despite Budget Cuts Nantz Named Consumer 5 Affairs Director Representatives Lynn Westmoreland, Paul Representatives Sanford Bishop, Broun and Nathan Deal listen to David Scott and Hank Johnson Commissioners with Commissioners C ommission Chairman to Washington, D.C. July as "cap and trade," Doug Everett 22 to voice their concerns which Commissioners along with Commis- to Georgia's Congres- say will dramatically in- sioners Lauren sional Delegation about crease Georgian's utility "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. the pending energy and bills in the coming and Stan Wise traveled climate legislation, known (Continued on page 4) Staff Visits Plant Vogtle 5 Everett Grandson Aims for 6 London Olympics Employee News 7 State Holidays 8 Commission Calendar 8 Next Issue November 2009 Commission Reconsiders Chairman Vote A majority of the Commission voted General As- follows a June 8, 2009 sembly. opinion by Georgia At- June 16 to reconsider its The 3-2 deci- torney General Thurbert May 5, 2009 decision to sion means Baker that the Commis- elect Commissioner Commis- sion could not elect a Stan Wise as Commis- sioner Doug chairman for more than sion Chairman effective Everett will a one-year term as set July 1, 2009 for a two- remain Commission Chair forth in the 1992 stat- year term. The Commis- for the remainder of ute, O.C.G.A. 46-2-5. sion then voted to table 2009. Lauren "Bubba" Earlier this year, the the original motion pend- McDonald, Jr. will serve Commission also pro- ing the outcome of legis- as Vice-Chairman during posed House Bill 568 lation in the Georgia the same period. The vote (Continued on page 2) PAGE 2 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 Legislative News Governor Sonny Perdue ordered a five percent cut 2008. The Governor had al- on July 17 in all state agency ready ordered allotments and that additional budget all state employees cuts to all state would take three agencies of 25% furlough days by of their June al- the end of the cal- lotments as state endar year 2009. revenues contin- The announcement ued to fall. The followed a top level state's reserve or meeting with the Governor, "rainy day" fund balance now Lieutenant Governor Casey stands at just $35 million. Cagle and Speaker of the In late June, Perdue asked all House Glenn Richardson. agencies to voluntarily cut their As Fiscal Year 2009 rolled to a July allotments by three percent. close on June 30, the Governor released the discouraging revenue collections on July 10. State revenues for FY 2009 fell 10.5 per cent compared to FY If you have a story for the next GPSC News, please send to Bill Edge, bille@psc.state.ga.us. Next issue deadline is October 15, 2009. At the same, there was speculation among many in state government that the Governor would call a Special Session of the General Assembly to deal with more budget cuts. For May, the Governor reported revenues dropped 14.4% com- pared to May 2008 with the total revenue decrease for fiscal year 2009 at 10%. At this time, there is no call for a special legislative session but that option apparently remains on the table as state leaders watch the revenue figures. Legislative Hearing C ommission staff testified before the House Budget that more consumer protection is needed, the Auditor and Fiscal Affairs Oversight missed the point that addi- Committee on June 26 in re- tional staff and funding are sponse to the 2008 State Audi- the problem. tor's report on Household Goods Committee asked if other Movers regulation. Executive agencies could assist the Director Deborah Flannagan, Commission in enforcing laws Transportation Manager the Commission appear to re- and rules on household goods Robert West, Attorney Kelli spond to the Auditor's report movers and if legislation ap- Leaf and Legislative Liaison which was published in July 2008. proved in 2007 had removed Bill Edge attended the hearing. Flannagan told the lawmakers cities' authority to enforce state The lawmakers had requested that while the Commission agreed laws. Commission Reconsiders Chairman Vote (Continued from page 1) sue as we perform the 1992 General Assembly." which would have allowed the our duties. We will Commissioner Wise has served Commission to select a chairman continue to have on the Commission since 1995. by majority vote for up to a three discussions with at- Commissioner Everett has year term. The measure is await- torneys and the served on the Commission since ing action by the State Senate. General Assembly 2003. Commissioner Biogra- Commission Wise, in making prior to the next phies can be found on the Com- the motion for reconsideration session as to the best solution in mission web site at http:// said, "I do not want this Commis- this conflict between the consti- www.psc.state.ga.us/pscinfo/ sion to be distracted with this is- tution and the law enacted by bios.asp. VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 GPSC NEWS PAGE 3 PSC Assesses Penalties of $154,760 against Natural Gas Marketer, Stream Georgia Gas Stream Georgia Gas (Stream consent. While Stream Georgia staff 90 days after the CommisGeorgia) will pay affected does not admit to any wrongdo- sion's order is signed. customers approximately ing, they will pay the penalties The Commission issued an In- $104,760 and will donate directly to the 288 customers terim Certificate of Authority to $50,000 directly to assist natural within 60 days of the filing of the Stream Georgia on April 1, 2008, gas customers as a result of a Commission's order in this to provide firm natural gas com- settlement approved May 19 by Docket. modity sales service in all of the the Commission. The settlement Stream also agrees to donate Atlanta Gas Light Company will resolve 288 allegations of $35,000 of the $50,000 to Heat- ("AGLC") Georgia primary deliv- switching a natural gas cus- ing Energy Assistance Team ery pool groups. As such, Stream tomer's service without their (H.E.A.T.) and $15,000 to The Georgia is subject to all applica- consent, a practice commonly Salvation Army. ble state laws and Commission known as "slamming." Other provisions of the settle- rules relating to natural gas ser- The settlement follows a Com- ment include: vice in Georgia. mission investigation into com- 1. Stream Georgia agrees to plaints from natural gas con- abide by all state laws and Com- sumers that their natural gas mission rules. service had been switched to 2. Stream Georgia will provide a Stream Georgia without their progress report to Commission PSC Receives Grant to Partner with Department of Energy and NARUC for Solar Energy Analysis T he Department of Energy This new partnership activity together to identify and analyze (DOE) and the National As- aims to provide states in the be- technological, economic and sociation of Regulatory Utility ginning stages of solar energy regulatory barriers facing solar Commissioners (NARUC) has se- deployment with a solar resource energy adoption and examine lected the Commission as one of assessment. policy options to overcome only seven state public utility The project is a piece of a larger these challenges. commission partners to partici- DOE and NARUC partnership that "I am proud that the Georgia pate in a solar energy resource will bring State utility commis- Public Service Commission and potential study. The project will sion staff and researchers from its staff have been selected for last up to one year. the DOE National Laboratories this innovative partnership. This project will enable our state to tucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, receive a detailed and quality Missouri, and Colorado. All par- analysis on solar energy issues ticipants were selected through a for Georgia," said Commission competitive application process. Chairman Doug Everett, Through a solicitation by NARUC, "Efficient solar energy can be a state commissions submitted re- part of any renewable energy search proposals covering a wide package." range of topics. Areas selected DOE will provide $150,000 to for analysis include an examina- the fund the project. Besides tion of feed-in tariff policies and Georgia, the other states se- implementation, solar energy grid lected to participate are Ken- integration issues, and the re- source assessment analysis. This suite of projects will receive $350,000 of funding from the DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program. Future areas of funding may include solar hot water technical standards, quantifying the benefits of solar energy, and examining the role of solar energy in utilities' integrated resource planning processes. PAGE 4 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 Commission Sponsors First Large Project Meeting on Major Road Construction Commissioners Doug Everett and Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. along with Pipeline Safety Director Danny McGriff and GUFPA Case Manager Gary Mason brought together stakeholders June 18 at Commissioner McDonald addresses the meeting the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce to discuss utility locates for a major road construction project in Sandy Springs. The meeting was the first large project meeting held under amendments to the Dig Law passed in 2005. Gary Mason briefs the audience on the project Commissioner Doug Everett stressed that communication is key in ensuring that large projects go smoothly, while Commissioner McDonald said it is about teamwork. Representatives from all major utilities were present along with the Utilities Protection Center and the contractor C.W. Matthews Contracting. Commission Receives Patriot Award T he Georgia Committee for ESGR is a Department of De- solving conflicts through meEmployer Support of the fense agency whose mission is diation. Civilian employers play Guard and Reserve (ESGR) July to gain and maintain employer a critical role in the defense of 28 awarded the Commission the support for Guard and Reserve the nation by complying with Patriot Award for the Commis- service by recognizing out- existing employment laws pro- sion's support of National Guard standing support, increasing tecting the rights of employees and Reserve Commission em- awareness of the law, and re- who serve in National Guard ployees. Chairman Doug and Reserve. The sacrifices of Everett accepted on behalf of employers allow these men and the Commission during the women the ability to perform award ceremony at the Army duties in an exemplary man- Reserve Center in Decatur. ner. Commissioners Go to Washington (Continued from page 1) delegation members. Commis- met with the Commissioners years. "Unless this legislation is sion Vice-Chairman McDonald were: Representatives Phil Gin- modified and revised, Georgians said, "We were pleased with the grey, Lynn Westmoreland, Na- could see their electric utility reception afforded us by mem- than Deal, Paul Broun, Sanford bills go up by as much as $66 a bers of Georgia's Congressional Bishop, Hank Johnson, and David month by 2020," said Everett. Delegation and will continue Scott. Senators Johnny Isakson "Ultimately, we want to find a working with them through the and Saxby Chambliss were rep- way to sculpt a bill that has less legislative process." resented by staff members due impact on Georgians," Commis- The members of the Georgia to ongoing legislative committee sioner Stan Wise told the Congressional Delegation who hearings. VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 GPSC NEWS PAGE 5 PSC Continues Work despite Budget Cuts The Commission remains committed to its core mis- and other proceedings. sion of balancing the interests of Among the consumers and the utilities it cost cutting regulates even during these dif- measures the ficult economic times. Due to Commission the recession and decline in has imple- state revenues the Commission mented: has taken a 14.6 per cent de- crease in the agency's annual operating budget since August cies, we have complied with the 1. Reached an agreement with 2008. mandated budget cuts but they Georgia Power Company for the "As a small agency with a wide have had an impact on our abil- Company to pay $600,000 annu- ranging mission, any cuts in our ity to carry out our constitu- ally for an independent monitor budget have a dramatic effect tional and statutory responsibili- to provide oversight for Plant on our regulatory duties," said ties." McDonald noted however Vogtle Nuclear Power Unit 3 and Commission Vice-Chairman that the Commission has sought 4 construction costs. Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, to implement innovative funding 2. Sought legislation to fund out- Jr. "Like all other state agen- methods to provide the outside side experts for rate cases with- experts needed for rate cases (Continued on page 6) Nantz Named Consumer Affairs Director The Commission on July 7 marketers were complying with Coast Guard. Congratulations named Mike Nantz as the Commission Rules. Prior to mov- again to Mike on his new posiDirector of Consumer Affairs, ing to Georgia, he held various tion. replacing longtime Director positions with the Kentucky PSC Cynthia Cornelius who is re- and also worked for Kentucky signing to pursue a law career. Utilities Company. Mike is a Mike joined the Commission in graduate of Francis Marion UniJanuary 2003 as the Assistant versity in Florence, South Caroto the Director for Enforcement lina. He and his wife Deborah in Consumer Affairs. In this live in Roswell. His stepson, role, his responsibilities in- Aaron, is completing his Basic cluded assuring utilities and Training in the United States Staff Visits Plant Vogtle Commission staff along with our budget and research and Johnson all got a close up look Budget at the reactor control room, analysts visited Georgia Analyst turbine generation room and Power's Nuclear Generating Brian plant security measures. Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Smith Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 en- Georgia on July 10. Staff mem- and Sen- tered operation in 1987 and bers Bill Edge, Allison Mor- ate 1989. Two more units are cur- ris, Tom Bond, Phil Smith Search rently under construction at the and Steve Roetger, Senate Assistant site and scheduled for comple- Budget Analyst Kristin Director tion in 2016 and 2017. Youngquist, Office of Planning Brian PAGE 6 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 Everett Grandson Aims for 2012 Olympics T aylor "Wildman" Delk is streamlining his way into na- world. USA Swimming is the governing body of swimming tional swimming record books, in the United States. It man- following a nationally recognized ages the competitions, train- 2008 season with an early 2009 ing, and selection of the USA season that has already engraved national teams and Olympic his name into the ranks of the na- teams. tion's best swimmers. Delk, who hopes to compete in Delk is the 11 year old grandson the 2012 Olympic Games in of Commissioner Doug Everett. London, competes in the USA The attendance charts at the Swimming junior division. White County Intermediate School list him as "Robert Taylor Delk," team. The ing to do Select Team has nothwith age groups, thus Long course (LC) competitions are in a 50 meter pool. Short but in the swimming world, the local swimming prodigy goes by "Wildman." In May Delk was invited to swim with the Select Team, a very Delk is competing with some of the nation's top swimmers (future Olympians), some of whom are over 20 years old. Delk now competes with USA course (SC) competitions are in a 25 yard pool. He is currently ranked second in the nation in the 100 meter backstroke (LC) and 200 meter prestigious invitation. Delk was the only male from his Swim Atlanta region to be invited to the Swimming, the tive swimming largest competiprogram in the backstroke (LC), as well as third in the nation for the 50 meter backstroke (LC). The 2009 season is still underway, backstroke (SC). was five years old, his first thus those standings are subject Delk also competed in Parks and year of competitive swimming. to change and a possible im- Recreation swimming in 2008. He He continues the hunt thanks provement to gain even more broke the 50 yard backstroke time to a diligent and rigorous ground by Delk. record en route to finishing num- training schedule. Wildman 2008 was a record year for the ber one in state in the event. He swims two hours a day, six young swimmer. In USA Swim- also broke the 100 yard Individual days a week, for 312 days of ming, he finished number one in Medley (back, breast, butterfly, the year. He only takes off the nation in the 100 meter and free styles) Parks and Recrea- Sundays and major holidays. backstroke event (LC) and num- tion record. The record had previ- Denice Delk, the swimmer's ber two in the nation in the 50 ously remained untouched for 15 mother and chauffeur to every meter backstroke (LC). He fin- years. Delk finished number one in event and practice, spends ished number one in the state of the state in this event. hours supporting her son's Georgia in the 50 yard back- For the Wildman, the hunting of dream, and she knows him stroke (SC) and the 100 yard national records began when he better than anyone else. "He does not swim on Christmas," just might be in London. Good said Delk. "But on Christmas Eve, luck Wildman! he's swimming. He does not swim Commission Continues Work on New Years, but on New Year's Eve, he's swimming." The practice totals equals an ap- (Continued from page 5) out seeking additional state proximate of 624 hours a year. to funds. answer. This summer, Delk will 3. No new equipment purchases. swim in USA Swimming events, For Fiscal Year 2011, the Com- including a state competition at mission must submit budget pro- Georgia Tech the week of July 16- posals calling for 4 percent, 6 19. Three summers from now, he percent and 8 percent cuts. VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 GPSC NEWS PAGE 7 Employee News Capitol Celebrates 120 Years H undreds of folks attended the 120th anniversary completed on time celebration of the State Capitol and within on July 8. Secretary of State budget. Karen Handel spoke to the audi- The total ence and the 338th Army Band cost was Brass Quintet provided stirring just over patriotic music. Attendees en- $1 million! joyed Capitol birthday cake and A bargain signed a birthday card to Miss by today's Freedom. The Capitol was dedi- standards! cated on July 4, 1889 and was Sympathy O ur condolences go to Executive Director Deborah Flannagan on the passing May 4, 2009 of her sister, Monica Kerckoff of Tallahassee, Florida. Services were held on May 8 in Talla- hassee. Monica is survived by two sons and a granddaughter. Farewell Cynthia C ynthia Cornelius bid fare- off. Her last official well to the Commission July day here was July 15. 1 as co-workers and friends Cynthia has been gathered for her "official" send with the Commission since 2000 and has been Director of Consumer Affairs since 2001. She plans to attend Loyola University Law School for her law degree and practice public interest law. We wish Cynthia all the best! Renee Heads for Retirement R enee Shadix retired from the Commission on May 29 after 34 years with the state. The celebration began with a Parade down Washington Street and continued with eats and speeches inside. Farewell and Best wishes Renee! PAGE 8 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3 Commission News Georgia State Holidays For 2009 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 19 April 27 May 25 July 3 September 7 October 12 November 11 November 26 November 27 December 24 December 25 August 2009 4-Administrative Session 13-Committees 18-Administrative Session 27-Committees September 2009 1-Administrative Session 7-Labor Day Holiday 10-Committees 15-Administrative Session October 2009 1-Committees 6-Administrative Session Commission Calendar 12-Columbus Day Holiday 15-Committees 20-Administrative Session 29-Committees November 2009 3-Administrative Session 11-Veteran's Day Holiday 12-Committees 17-Administrative Session 24-Committees 26-Thanksgiving Holiday 27-Holiday NARUC Annual Convention 2009 November 15-18, 2009 Chicago, IL Winter Meeting 2010 February 14-17, 2010 Washington, D.C. Summer Meeting 2010 July 18-21, 2010 Sacramento, CA 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 H. Doug Everett, Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr. Robert B. Baker, Jr. Chuck Eaton Stan Wise EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Flannagan EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Reece McAlister