How your PSC operates

EVOLVING ROLE
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, as did 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 a major concern as the PSC carries out its mandate to provide for the public good as well as promote a healthy business environment and economic development. 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. Natural gas marketers now compete for customers while the largest investor-owned gas utility has become a regulated "pipes only" distribution company. The other natural gas utility remains subject to full Commission regulation of its rates and services. Legislation passed by the 2001 and 2002 General Assembly authorizes the Commission to ensure that gas marketers offer adequate customer service and to assist low-income consumers.
Telephone service changed dramatically with the 2006 merger of Atlanta-based BellSouth with AT&T, creating a telecommunications entity that supplies the entire spectrum of landline, wireless and broadband services.
The Commission ensures that Georgians continue to have an adequate and reliable supply of electricity well into the future by reviewing and approving Integrated Resource Plans filed by the Georgia Power Company every three years. Part of this process is to monitor construction of electric generating plants, such as the nuclear reactors being built at Plant Vogtle for service starting in 2017.
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 searches that provide vital consumer information. More webbased services are expected in the future.
For almost 135 years the PSC has met the challenges brought on by change in the utility industry. The PSC will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in guiding a smooth transition as technological advances impact the operations and services of these vital industries and as new federal and state requirements reshape the legal and business environment in which they operate.

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-Albany)
(404) 463-6745
Tim G. Echols, District 2 (R-Winterville) (404) 463-0214
Chuck Eaton, District 3 (R-Atlanta)
(404) 657-2020
Lauren "Bubba" McDonald, Jr., District 4 (R-Clarkesville) (404) 463-4260
Stan Wise, District 5 (R-Cobb)
(404) 657-4574

HOW YOUR PSC OPERATES

ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
T he 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 prices and 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 facilitated and managed the transition to open-market competition, assures reasonable access to services, monitors rates and service quality, certifies that providers are financially viable and technically capable, and mediates disputes between competitors.
Requests for rate changes or other regulatory matters brought before the Commission are first reviewed by one of three standing committees: Telecommunications, Facilities Protection 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 public interest and the input of residential, commercial and industrial customers. Most matters are scheduled for a 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 as in 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 with audio available on the internet through the PSC web site. 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 is a constitutional board with five elected Commissioners and a professional staff of approximately 80 employees.
The Commissioners are elected statewide for staggered, six-year terms and may succeed themselves in office. Commissioners elect one member to serve as Chairman for a two-year term who may serve a second two-year term. Commissioners are required to live in one of five districts but are elected by voters statewide.
For budget purposes the PSC is organized into three programs (Administration, Utilities Regulation and Facilities Protection) 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 budget staff, and support personnel. Other key staff members are experts on utility and telecommunications operations and pipeline safety.
PSC FUNCTIONS
ADMINISTRATION The Commission's Administration Division, headed by the Executive Director, is comprised of the Executive Secretary, Budget and Fiscal Office, Public Information/Legislative Liaison Office and the Office of Operational Support. The Administration Division assists the Commissioners in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, and manages the Commission's staff functions.

UTILITIES REGULATION Staff in this program provides technical expertise, analyzes information, prepares testimony, and makes recommendations concerning telecommunications, electric and natural gas utility matters. Areas of expertise include rate-setting; utility system and telecommunications network planning, operation and construction; accounting, finance and auditing; and monitoring competitive markets. It also presents alternative positions before the Commission in rate cases, responds to consumer complaints and inquiries, and facilitates resolutions between customers and service providers.
PIPELINE SAFETY AND UTILITY FACILITY PROTECTION Pipeline safety inspectors enforce state and federal safety regulations, conduct onsite inspections and emphasize education and training as the primary way to improve safety compliance. Facility protection staff investigate alleged violations of the Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act and conduct enforcement proceedings that can result in civil penalties and PSC-sponsored training.
PSC JURISDICTION
The Commission has jurisdiction over: Investor-owned electric power companies Investor-owned natural gas companies Underground utility facility owners and excava-
tors Telecommunications companies Credit card, calling card and coin-operated tele-
phone companies Automatic telephone dialing and announcing
device operators Telephone service observing equipment users
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 broadband services, voice over internet (VoIP), water and waste water services, cellular telephone companies, interstate long-distance companies, or the cable and satellite television industries.