How your PSC operates

FUTURE ISSUES
E stablished as the Georgia Railroad Commission in 1879, the regulatory body was concerned only with railroad expansion and competition. But as industry and technology grew so did the agency's oversight. Telegraph came under regulation in 1891 and telephone, gas and electric light and power companies in 1907. In 1922, the legislature changed the name to the Public Service Commission.
Today, free market competition is the dominant concern as the PSC carries out its mandate to provide for the public good as well as promote a healthy business-investment economy.
Natural gas sales changed from a regulated to a competitive environment in 1998 following passage of the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act of 1997. Several natural gas marketers compete for customers while the largest investor owned gas utility has shifted to a regulated pipeline distribution company only. One natural gas utility remains subject to full Commission regulation for its rates and services. Legislation passed in the 2001 General Assembly provides the Commission with the authority to ensure that gas marketers provide adequate customer service to their customers and to provide assistance for low-income consumers. Telephone service has also changed. Long-distance companies such as MCI, Sprint and AT&T are providing local telephone service. Local companies, such as BellSouth, could soon begin offering long-distance service.
The Commission is working to ensure that Georgians continue to have an adequate and reliable supply of electricity well into the future by requiring the state's investor-owned electric utilities to implement Integrated Resource Plans every three years. Electric restructuring, while not contemplated in Georgia, is being debated nationwide at both the state and federal level.
The Commission is in the forefront of the move to the digital age by providing more web-enabled services such as on-line consumer complaint forms, gas bill calculators and docket research forms that provide vital consumer information. More web-based services are expected in the future.
For more than a century, the PSC has met the challenges brought on by change in the utility industry. As a new century unfolds, the PSC will undoubtedly have a pivotal role in guiding a smooth transition to open-market competition.

TO CONTACT US:

Write:

Georgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-5701

Call:

(404) 656-4501 1-800-282-5813
Fax: (404) 656-2341

Internet:

http://www.psc.state.ga.us

E-Mail:

gapsc@psc.state.ga.us

Your Georgia Public Service Commission
H. Doug Everett, District 1 (R-Sylvester)
(404) 463-6745
Robert Baker, District 2 (R-DeKalb)
(404) 656-4514
David Burgess, District 3 (D-DeKalb)
(404) 656-2040
Angela E. Speir, District 4 (R-Gwinnett)
(404) 656-4512
Stan Wise, District 5 (R-Cobb)
(404) 657-4574

HOW YOUR PSC OPERATES
GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

SAFEGUARDING YOUR INTERESTS

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the rates charged and services provided by most intrastate telecommunications, gas and electric utilities operating in Georgia. The agency plays an important role in the Georgia economy by ensuring that consumers receive reliable utility services at reasonable rates while providing utilities with an opportunity to earn a reasonable return for investors. The Commission also monitors the operations of the certified natural gas marketers operating in Georgia's competitive natural gas commodity market.
Under Georgia's Telecommunications and Competition Development Act of 1995, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Georgia Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act of 1997, the PSC facilitates and manages the transition to open-market competition, assures reasonable access to services, monitors rates and service quality, and mediates disputes between competitors.
Requests for rate changes or other matters brought before the Commission are first reviewed by one of two standing committees: Telecommunications and Energy. These committees provide a forum for deliberating issues under the PSC's jurisdiction and assure all parties an opportunity to comment.
In reaching a decision, the Commission considers the interest and input of residential, commercial and industrial customers. Most matters are scheduled for formal public hearing before the full Commission or a Hearing Officer. Sworn testimony is taken, witnesses are subject to cross-examination and evidence is introduced like a judicial proceeding. The PSC is authorized to conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, inspect properties, books and records of all regulated companies, issue orders, hear appeals and, when necessary, initiate court proceedings to enforce its decisions, rules and regulations.
Matters pending before the Commission are generally decided during Administrative Sessions held on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the hearing room of the Commission's Atlanta office.
All PSC Administrative Sessions, Committee Meetings and Hearings are open to the public. Any member of the public is invited to make a statement at Committee Meetings or participate as a witness at a public hearing. PSC hearings are also held throughout the state on issues of importance to local communities and consumers.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The PSC consists of five elected Commissioners and a professional staff of approximately 90 employees.
The Commissioners are elected statewide for staggered, six-year terms and may succeed themselves in office. One Commissioner serves as Chairman for a one-year term on a rotating basis. Commissioners are required to live in one of five districts but are elected by voters statewide.
The PSC is organized for budget purposes into two divisions (Administration and Utilities) that carry out the day-to-day functions of the Commission.
The staff is headed by an Executive Director and consists of engineers, rate analysts; consumer services representatives, fiscal and personnel officers and support personnel. Other key staff members are experts on utility and telecommunications issues and operations.
PSC FUNCTIONS
Utilities
Provides technical expertise, analyzes information, prepares reports, and makes recommendations concerning telephone, electric and natural gas utilities matters. Areas of expertise include rate-setting, utility system and telecommunications network planning and operations, accounting and finance, rule making, utility audits and monitoring natural gas marketers. It also presents alternative positions to the Commission in rate cases and ensures the safety of natural gas pipelines.
Pipeline Safety/Utility Facility Protection
Enforces state and federal pipeline safety regulations and conducts safety inspections. Conducts investigations of incidents involving pipelines and complaints involving violations of the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act.

Consumer Affairs
Provides consumer education, monitors compliance with applicable laws and rules, and handles complaints concerning telephone, natural gas marketers, and electric utility rates and services.
Public Information/Legislative Liaison
Coordinates official Commission news releases and media relations and maintains the Commission's public information files. Coordinates Commission's legislative agenda.
PSC JURISDICTION
The Commission has jurisdiction over the following:
Utilities Division n Investor-owned electric power companies
n Investor-owned natural gas companies n Underground facility protection and natural gas pipeline safety n Telecommunications companies n Credit card, calling card and Coin-operated telephones n Automatic telephone dialing and announcing devices n Telephone service observing equipment
The Commission does not have rate-setting authority over natural gas marketers, municipally owned gas and electric utilities or electric membership corporations (EMCs). Additionally, the Commission has no regulatory authority over water/sewer services, cellular telephone companies, interstate long-distance companies or the cable or satellite television industries.