Report of the Georgia public service commission. One hundred and fourth report, 1976

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104th Report

Of The

Georgia Public

Service Commission

January 1, 1976

January 1, 1977

C O M M ISSIO N ER S: BEN T. W IGGINS, c h a ir m a n WILLIAM H. KIMBRO&&H, v ic e c h a ir m a n MAC BARBER ROBERT C.(BOBBY) PAFFORD FORD B. SPIN K S
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2 4 4 W A S H IN G T O N S T R E E T , S . W.
Atla n ta , Georgi a 3 0 3 3 4

A. O. RANDALL, s e c r e t a r y

To His Excellency George D. Busbee Governor of Georgia
Dear Governor Busbee:
As provided by law, the Georgia Public Service Commission submits herewith the 104th Annual Report of the regulatory activities of the Commission for the year ending December 31,
Respectfully submitted,

Ben T. Wiggins, Chairman

nks, Commissioner

S T A T E OF G E O R G I A GEORGE D. BUSBEE, GOVERNOR
104th Report of
GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 244 Washington St., S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334
January 1, 1976 to January 1, 1977
Ben T, Wiggins, Chairman William H. Kimbrough, Vice Chairman Mac Barber, Commissioner Robert C. (Bobby) Pafford, Cortanissioner Ford B. Spinks, Commissioner A. O. Randall, Secretary
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104th ANNUAL REPORT Introduction
The Annual Report of the Georgia Public Service Commission covering the activities for the year ending December 31, 1976, is submitted herewith in compliance with the law.
The personnel of the Commission as of December 31, 1976, were as follows:
Ben T. Wiggins, Chairman William H. Kimbrough, Vice-Chairman Mac Barber, Commissioner Robert C. (Bobby) Pafford, Commissioner Ford B. Spinks, Commissioner
A list of the Commission's professional staff personnel as of December 31, 1976, is as follows:
Administration
David O. Benson, Executive Director A. 0. Randall, Executive Secretary C. Heath Armfield, Jr., Assistant to the Executive Director John R. Price, Hearing Reporter Katherine J. Anderson, Assistant Hearing Reporter W. James Yates, Assistant Hearing Reporter Mrs. Jean B. Trisch, Accountant II Mrs. Jackie B. Thomas, Personnel Officer II Thomas G. Arnold, Administrative Officer
Utilities Engineering
James J. Crudup, Director, Utilities Engineering Billy G. Collier, Utilities Engineer III Robert C. Evans, Utilities Engineer III G. Thomas Fortner, Utilities Engineer III Truman E. Holland, Utilities Engineer III Donald E. McCoy, Utilities Engineer III Cecil D. Bentley, Utilities Engineer II M. Glynn Blanton, Utilities Engineer II Jackson A. Dodd, Utilities Engineer II Ned Guillebeau, Utilities Engineer II Palmer B. Lester, Utilities Engineer II Douglas W. Moski, Utilities Engineer II I. Gilbert Bentley, Utilities Analyst II Benny H. Andrews, Gas Safety Inspector II Mitchell Ingram, Gas Safety Inspector II Charles F. Spencer, Gas Safety Inspector II
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Utilities Financial Analysis
Ralph S. McLemore, Jr., Director, Utilities Financial Analysis John W. Buckingham, Utilities Financial Specialist Beverly B. Knowles, Utilities Financial Specialist James H. Cole, Utilities Analyst II Donald H. Craig, Utilities Analyst II Nolan E. Ragsdale, Utilities Analyst II Linda Walsh, Utilities Analyst I S. D. Weaver, Utilities Analyst II Mrs* Caroline Williamson, Utilities Analyst II J. Eugene Pope, Utilities Analyst I G. Richard Puckett, Utilities Analyst I Bernard Goss, Economist
Transportation Rates and Services
Horace F. Hartley, Director, Transportation Rates and Services Gordon E. Ganka, Transportation Rates Specialist III Robert R. Ginn, Transportation Rates Specialist III Albert R. Bush, Transportation Rates Specialist II J. Donald McGouirk, Transportation Rates Specialist II George E. Thurmond, Transportation Rates Specialist II
Motor Carrier Certification and Enforcement
L. Thomas Doyal, Sr., Director, Motor Carrier Certification and Enforcement
Lucia Ramey, Transportation Rates Specialist II David R. Meeks, Chief Transportation Supervisor Judson L. McGinnis, Division Transportation Supervisor Chester A. Whitley, Division Transportation Supervisor M. C. Dalton, Jr., Registration Officer
During the year the Commission conducted 440 public hearings. Public hearings commence on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and continue on successive days thereafter until all current applications and petitions have been disposed of. All matters docketed for public hearing, are heard by the entire Commission in open session, a majority of the Commission constituting a quorum.
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TRANSPORTATION RATES & SERVICES DIVISION

COMMISSION ACTIONS

Railroads & Motor Carriers:

Docket Decisions ...............11

Non-Docket Decisions.........1/458

TOTAL

1,469

During 1976 the Commission and its Transportation Rates and Services staff officially disposed of, in addition to the eleven formal proceed ings listed below, 1,458 transportation rates and services matters, a considerable number of which required lengthy studies and investigations in the field.
FORMAL CASES FOR YEAR 1976

DOCKET NO. DATE

766-R

1-20-76

7311-M

3-25-76

(Interim Order)

7313-M

4-20-76

SUBJECT

DISPOSITION

Application of Southern Freight Tariff Bureau on behalf of parti cipating rail carriers to increase rates & charges. (Ex Parte 313)

Denied

Application of Purolator Courier Corp. Complaintant against ARC Armored Service, Inc., Brink*s, Inc., Wells Fargo Armored Service, Co-Op Messenger Service, Inc. and Watch Security Armored Car Service, for ruling of Class "M" carriers trans porting "cash letters".

Application of National Bus Traffic Association, Inc., Agent for Continental Atlantic Lines, Inc., Continental Crescent Lines, Inc., Georgia-Florida Coaches, Inc., Greyhound Lines, Inc.,Service Coach Lines, Inc., Southeastern Stages,Inc., Tamiami Trail Tours, Inc., seeking authority to increase Georgia Intra state Local & Interline, Intercity Passenger Fares.

Denied

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DOCKET NO.

DATE

769-R

5-13-76

7376-M

6-1-76

7412-M

8-3-76

7433-M

9-7-76

7311-M

9-21-76

771-R

10-19-76

7551-M

10-28-76

770-R

11-3-76

SUBJECT

DISPOSITION

Application of Southern Freight Tariff Bureau on behalf of parti cipating carriers to put into effect North Savannah, Georgia as a basepoint for rate making purposes.

Withdrawn

Application of Southern Motor

Approved in

Carriers Rate Conference on behalf

Part

of All Class "A" Carriers for authority

to increase rates and charges.

Application of Georgia Movers Asso- Approved in

ciation, Inc. on behalf of carriers

Part

parties to its Georgia Intrastate

Tariff No. 8, seeking increases in

rates and charges contained in Supple

ment N o . 15.

Application of Greyhound Lines#Inc. Approved to eliminate Schedule 6971,6970 and change departure time on Schedule 5560.

Application of Purolator Courier

Denied

Corp., Complainant, vs. ARC Armored

Service,Inc., Brink's,Inc., Wells

Fargo Armored Service, Co-Op Messenger

Service,Inc., and Watch Security

Armored Car Service, for rehearing,

reconsideration, and oral argument

and postponement of effectiveness of

Order pending judicial review.

Application of Southeastern Demurrage Approved in

Bureau to amend various Demurrage

Part

Rules by reducing the loading time for

freight cars from 48 hours to 24 hours.

Application of Southeastern Stages, Inc., requesting authority to eliminate the 3:00 P.M. Atlanta to Covington schedule.

Approved

Application of Southern Freight

Approved in

Tariff Bureau on behalf of

Part

participating rail carriers to

increase rates & charges.(Ex Parte 318)

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TRUCK RATES AND SERVICES
In April, the Class "A"' carriers of general commodities sought to increase their rates and charges on Georgia intrastate traffic by varying amounts. They proposed to increase less truckload or any quantity rates by 15% on shipments weighing less than 500 pounds, 8% on shipments weighing 500 pounds or more but less than 5,000 pounds and 2% on shipments weighing 5,000 pounds or more. Volume or truckload rates were proposed to be increased by 4% and accessorial charges, accessorial rates, arbitrarles and pickup or delivery charges by 15%. The minimum per shipment charge was proposed to be increased from the present charge of $7.90 up to a charge of $9.09 or, percentagewise, an increase of 15%. Applicant carriers contended that such increases were necessitated by increased costs resulting from a new national labor contract. The Commission declined to authorize such increases without justification at public hearing and suspended the proposed increases for five months from the proposed effective date. At the hearing on May 20, applicant carriers modified the application to request a lesser amount of increase than originally proposed. Under the modified application, the Class "A" carriers proposed to increase less than truckload or any quantity rates by 7% on shipments weighing less than 1.000 pounds, 6%on shipments weighing 1,000 pounds or more but less than 2.000 pounds, 5%on shipments weighing 2,000 pounds or more but less than 5.000 pounds, 2%on shipments weighing 5,000 pounds or more but less than 10.000 pounds and no increase on shipments weighing 10,000 pounds or more. Volume or truckload rates were proposed to be increased by 4% and accessorial rates and charges, arbitrarles and pickup and delivery charges by 8%. The minimum per shipment charge was proposed to be increased from the present charge of $7.90 up to a charge of $8.53 or, percentagewise, an increase of 8%. Applicant carriers presented evidence at the hearing on May 20. All shipper protestants appearing at the hearing in opposition to the original proposal withdrew their opposition to the modified proposal. By order dated June 1, 1976, the Commission found that the original proposal which would result in an overall increase of 8.9% was not shown to be justified but that the modified proposal which would result in an overall increase of 5.79% would not exceed a reasonable amount of additional revenue to applicant carriers necessary to enable them to provide continuous and adequate motor carrier service to shippers in this State. The Commission authorized the increases set forth in the modified proposal and provided that such increases could -ecome effective not earlier than June 21, 1976 but should in no instance exceed corresponding rates applicable on interstate traffic.
By tariff filing in May, the Georgia Movers Association,Inc., sought authority to increase intrastate household goods rates and charges for the account of carriers parties to its Georgia Intrastate Tariff No. 8. The proposed increases varied in amounts depending on the type service involved but the most significant were increases in hourly rates which ranged from 22.7% to 23.9% and an increase in rates on weight and distance moves of 30%. It was also proposed to increase rates or charges on movements originating in or destined to points in Chatham and Douglas Counties to the same extent as presently applicable with respect to certain other specific counties which are said to be areas where above-average operating costs are experienced by the carriers. At the public hearing on June 24, 1976, applicants presented exhibits and testimony of several witnesses.
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The Consumers1 Utility Counsel appeared at the hearing and conducted cross-examination of the witnesses of applicant carriers. No shippers of household goods appeared at the hearing in opposition to the proposal. By order dated August 3, 1976, the Commission determined that the full measure of the proposed increase was not shown to be justified. However, the Commission recognized that significant increases in both labor and non-labor expenses to the carriers which had occurred since their last authorized rate increase showed a need for a lesser amount of additional revenue than that proposed. Accordingly, in recognition of such added costs, the Commission approved an increase in hourly rates of approximately 13.4% to 15.6%; approved an increase in the weight and distance rates but only to a level no higher than in effect in Alabama; and authorized increases generally at lesser amounts than proposed for various other carrier services which are incidental to the movement of the goods. Also, the Commission authorized increased rates on movements to or from Chatham County to the same extent as applicable to certain other specifically named high-cost counties. However, the Commission declined to authorize any increase in charges for packing containers or rates for performance of packing and unpacking services and declined to authorize the addition of Douglas County to the group of specifically named "high-cost" counties subject to higher rates in various items of the tariff.
RAILROAD FREIGHT RATES & CHARGES
During the year 1976 there were two general intrastate revenue increase proceedings involving railroad freight rates authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission on interstate traffic. In addition to the two increases for the year 1976, the Georgia Public Service Commission was faced with a Section 13 proceeding relative to Ex Parte 313A, Increase in Freight Rates and Charges, involving a 7*2% increase which, after hearing, was denied by the Georgia Public Service Commission on March 14, 1976. The applicant railroads filed a Section 13 proceeding with the Interstate Commerce Commission against the Georgia Public Service Commission. Hearing was held on this matter before the Interstate Commerce Commission in July, 1976 and the Commission's initial decision dated September 27, 1976 ordered the Georgia Public Service Commission to grant the Ex Parte 313 increases within thirty days from the date of service of the original findings by the Administrative Law Judge thereby cancelling this Commission's order in these continuing proceedings. In compliance with the Commission's order in Ex Parte 313A, increases in freight rates and charges became effective on Georgia intrastate traffic on October 30, 1976.
In further proceedings during the year 1976 carriers again appeared before this Commission and filed application Ex Parte 330 that was to cancel Ex Parte 318, Increase Tariff of 7%, due to the fact that the Western Railroads had not agreed on a level of rates or increases to be assessed on lumber and related articles in Western territory under Ex Parte 318. Ex Parte 330 cancelled Ex Parte 318 on November 20, 1976 with the exception of a reduction in rates on lumber from 7% to 5% when from the West Coast.
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RAILROAD ABANDONMENT PROCEEDINGS
1. ICC Docket AB-26 (Sub. No. 9) Southern Railroad Abandonment of service over a line of track between Piedmont, Alabama and Atlanta Junction, Georgia. Hearing; December 2 and 3, 1975. ICC Initial Decision; Granting abandonment on November 29, 1976.
2. ICC Docket AB-26 (Sub. No. 4) Southern Railway Abandonment of railroad track between Williamson and Roberta, Georgia. Hearing: January 16, 1976. ICC Initial Decision: Granting abandonment on May 5, 1976. Reconsideration by protestants: Pending Commission review for reconsideration by protestants.
3. ICC Docket AB-26 (Sub. No. 5) Georgia Northern Railway Abandonment of service over rail tracks between Albany and Cordele, Georgia. Hearing: April 1 and 2, 1976. ICC Initial Decision: August 6, 1976 granting carrier authority to abandon line. Exceptions: Piled August 26, 1976 by Crisp County Power Commission. Application still under review by Division 3 of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
MOBILE RAIL AGENCY SERVICE
There has been reviewed in detail in the reports of the last several years the mobile agency concept of providing agency service to a number of stations under which one agent can perform the needed services at a savings to the railroad while adequately handling the needs of the public at the involving points. During the year, additional operations were authorized on a permanent basis. As in all previously approved mobile agency operations, the Commission considered authorization to institute these ten mobile agencies to be subject to the same investigation proceedings during that period as had been observed by the Commission in such prior proceedings.
It should be here pointed out, that at the close of the year all of the mobile agencies previously authorized on either a trial or permanent basis were operating effectively and that the Commission had not received a single complaint against the services so rendered.
BUS FARES AND CHARGES
By the end of 1976, there were 53 certified carriers operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission providing passenger and package express service between substantially all areas of the state.

There were still portions of the state that did not have bus service following surrender of intrastate authority by some of the certificated carriers; however, three new carriers commenced operation in a portion of this area. Two of these carriers served the Gainesville, Georgia and Dalton, Georgia areas and the third operated between Canton, Georgia and Atlanta, Georgia.
A number of the intrastate carriers filed some 18 requests for authority to make changes in their scheduled operations and hearings were required on two of these requests. Following the hearings, the Commission found in some instances that the public convenience and necessity would not be served and denied some of the requests for change while granting authority in another.
In other applications for changes in their scheduled authority, several of the carriers asked that their requests be withdrawn rather than submit them to public hearing. Some of the applications were handled by the Commission not requiring a formal hearing.
Hearing was held on request by National Bus Traffic Association for increases in Georgia Intrastate Local, Interline, Intercity Passenger Fares and Package Express at the beginning of the year. Following the hearing, the Commission denied the requests as originally filed. The National Bus Traffic Association again filed in August, 1976 for increases in Intercity Bus Passenger Fares, Bus Express Rates and Charter Coach Charges on behalf of some nine carriers.

TRANSPORTATION CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

During the year the Commission conducted three hundred eighty-six public hearings involving the Transportation Certification and Enforcement Division. Public hearings commence on the second and fourth Tuesdays in each month and con tinue on successive days thereafter until all current applications and petitions have been disposed of. All matters docketed for public hearing are heard by the entire Commission in open session, a majority of the Commission constituting a quorum.

MOTOR CARRIER CERTIFICATE AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION

The Commission is charged with the responsibility of collecting and accounting for motor carrier certificate, permit and vehicle registration fees. The total certificate, permit and vehicle registration fees collected and remitted to the Fiscal Division, Department of Administrative Services, during the year 1976 are as follows?

January 1, 1976 to January 1, 1977

Certificate fees at $35.00 each, (127 - $4,445 and certificate transfer fees at $7.50 each (144 - $1,080)

$ 5,525.00

Registration Permit fees at $25.00 each (2759 - $68,975) and amendment fees at $5.00 each (366 - $1,830)

70,805.00

Regular License fees at $5.00 each (15,076 - $75,580) Penalty License fees at $25.00 each (595 - $14,875)

90,255*00

Regular Identification Stamp fees at $5.00 each (194,137 Regular Multiple Registration Stamp fees at $1.00 each (41,005 - $41,005) and Penalty Stamp fees at $25.00 each (968 - $24,200.00)

$970,685.00)
1,035,890.00 $1,202,475.00

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COMMISSION ACTIONS

During the year 1976 the following Administrative Session decisions were made by the Commissions

Motor Carrier Certificate applications?

Approved

120

Denied

3

Withdrawn

5

Dismissed

3

Total

136

Certificate transfer applications? Approved Withdrawn Dismissed

Total

64 1
^
66

Certificate amendment applications? Approved Withdrawn Denied Dismissed

Total

7 4 1 4
_J2
79

Certificate control through transfer of capital stock

Total

10 10

Certificates cancelled Certificates suspended Certificates reinstated

Total

108 306 208
622

Motor Carrier Emergency Permits Registration Permits Issued Registration Permits Amended Registration Permits Cancelled (Undetermined)

Total

19 3477
650 ____
4146

Rules Nisi issued (other than for insurance) Rules Nisi dismissed (other than insurance)

Total

131 106
287

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CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Certification and Enforcement Division is responsible for receiving and processing all motor carrier applications for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity? all applications to register interstate operating authority in Georgia; maintaining the Commissions motor carrier files? issuance of GPSC vehicle registration tags or identification stamps? and enforcing the laws of Georgia and rules and regulations of the Commission relative to for hire motor transpor tation* Page 11 of this report contains a summary of Certificate and Registration Permit transactions handled by this division as well as other miscellaneous matters. The enforcement section of this division is composed of a Chief Enforcement Officer, two District Supervisors and fifteen Area Transportation Representatives.
The Area Transportation Representatives are assigned specific territories in the state ranging from six counties (Atlanta area) to as many as nineteen coun ties in the southwest section of the state. The Commission's Area Transportation Representatives make detailed inspections of the general operations of motor trans portation companies under the Commission's jurisdiction to determine if they are performing operations within the scope of authority granted by the Georgia Public Service Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commissions and in accordance with the Commission's rules and regulations and the laws of Georgia relating to for hire ; motor carrier operations. This includes the day-to-day examination of the regulated carriers' activities throughout their respective territory? conducting investigations relating to carriers' service? examination of the carriers files, books, etc.? interrogation of carriers' personnel and offering advice to the car riers when needed or requested? contacting shippers throughout the State to ascertain the level of their truck service and report to the Commission of any deficiencies and conducting periodic road checks. In addition, the Area Transportation Reprsenta tives perform other specifically designated assignments related to the functions of . the Public Service Commission.
During 1976, a number of concentrated road checks were conducted throughout the state, in addition to many other lesser checks made at strategic locations. The major road checks ranged from three to five days duration, while the lesser checks lasted from several hours to one or two days. All of the Area Transporta tion Representatives operate continuously in their assigned territories and con tinue vigorously to ferret out and eliminate illegal transportation operations. The nature of the illegal operator precludes the establishment of permanent inspection points since Georgia's maze of highways enables the illegal operator to easily cir cumvent any permanently established check point. Our Area Transportation Repre sentatives patrol the highways, investigate industrial sites and examine all other locations where the illegal trucker is possibly operating.
Illegal trucking operations throughout the United States siphon off millions of dollars annually from legitimate motor carrier operations upon whom the public depends to ship or receive their wares. The Commission's Area Transportation Re presentatives are highly trained in detecting the illegal operator and filtering through the quagmire of fictitious leases, freight bills, logs, etc. which usually accompany such operations. During 1976, the Commission s enforcement section was responsible for 865 arrests made throughout the state stemming solely from intra state and interstate `for hire-' operations without proper authority from either the Georgia Public Service Commission or the Interstate Commerce Commission. These cases resulted in bonds totaling $131,244 being posted in the counties where arrests were made. In addition, 325 warnings were issued to carriers operating illegally in Georgia.
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The Commission who helped pioneer the development of the Uniform Registra tion Standards of Public Law 89-170 applicable to carriers operating solely in interstate commerce under authority granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission, or carriers operating in interstate commerce specifically exempt from the juris diction of the Interstate Commerce Commission, continues to operate subject to the above standards. These standards were promulgated by the Interstate Commerce Commission pursuant to the provisions of Section 202(b)(2) of the Interstate Commerce Act (49 U.S.C. Section 302(b)(2)). Georgia was one of the first states to adopt the standards and has actively engaged in assisting other states in effectuating these procedures.
The Certification and Enforcement Division continued to function under the cooperative agreement between the Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission and conducted several joint investigations with personnel of that Commission for the purpose of eliminating illegal transportation practices of certain carriers and shippers. As a result of these investigations, federal suits were brought by the I.C.C. against certain large shippers for aiding and abetting illegal trans portation resulting in substantial fines being assessed against those shippers.
During 1976 our Area Transportation Representatives continued the Commission's program designed to assist in the protection of the public using the highways of Georgia and to apprise the carriers of the operating habits of their drivers. Our Representatives are provided with an appropriate observation form and a tape recorder to enable them to observe motor carrier vehicles while in operation, recording their description, location of inspection, activities and operational violations. Each Representative is responsible for making an assigned number of these observation reports daily and copies of the reports are sent to the carriers for their information and appropriate corrective action where they deem such necessary.
The Certification and Enforcement Division, in addition to the responsibility of processing all motor carrier insurance filings (which numbers over 70,000 per year) as well as maintaining all motor carrier files (numbering in excess of 13,000), was responsible for processing 3,123 interstate registration of authority applications and amendments thereto and the issuance of all intrastate and interstate Georgia Public Service Commission Motor vehicle registrations which resulted in the collection of fees summarized on page 10 of this report.
During 1976 the fifteen Area Transportation Representatives performed thou sands of vehicle inspections for operating authority and proper vehicle registra tion and identification, resulting in detection of 2,282 violations and collection of $38,775 in vehicle registration fees where vehicles had not been properly registered with the Commission by the carriers. They also performed 940 rate checks of intrastate "for hire" carriers to ensure that the certificated carriers were adhering to the rates and charges published in their tariffs lawfully on file with the Commission and, in addition, performed 2,280 other miscellaneous functions in the pursuit of the Commission's business, including personal contacts, special investigations, vehicle observations reports, etcetera.
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U T IL IT IE S EN GIN EERIN G D IV ISIO N A C T IV IT IE S

C a le n d a r y e a r 1976 r e f le c t e d th e c o n tin u a t io n o f e n g in e e rin g a c t iv it ie s a s s o c ia te d w ith th e r e g u la t io n o f te le p h o n e , e le c t r ic , n a t u r a l g a s , a n d r a d io common c a r r i e r u t i l i t i e s , a lo n g w it h t h e e n fo r c e m e n t o f n a t u r a l g a s s a f e t y s ta n d a r d s a n d p r a c t ic e s , i n G e o r g ia . C o m m issio n j u r is d ic t io n a l a u t h o r it y p u rs u a n t t o G e o rg ia s t a t u t e s re m a in e d b a s ic a lly u n c h a n g e d , e x c e p t f o r th o s e o p e r a t io n a l r e v is io n s w it h in th e C o m m is sio n a s made n e c e s s a ry b y an am endm ent to th e G e o rg ia A d m in is t r a t iv e P ro c e d u re A c t, e ffe c t iv e Jan u ary 1 , 1976.

C o m m is sio n e n g in e e r in g a c t i v i t i e s a r e h ig h lig h t e d a s s e t f o r t h b e lo w u n d e r e a ch u t i l i t y d i s c i p l in e .

TELEPHONE EN GIN EERIN G

F0RI4AL D EC IS IO N S AND O R D ER S-1 976

A p p lic a t io n s f o r m a lly h e a rd b y th e C o m m is sio n a r e g e n e r a lly ta k e n u n d e r a d v is e m e n t a n d d e c is io n s th e re o n a r e is s u e d a t a la t e r d a t e . The f o llo w in g i s a c la s s if ic a t io n o f th e p r o c e e d in g s in w h ich fo rm a l o p in io n s and o rd e rs w ere is s u e d and in w h ich t h is s e c t io n p a r t ic ip a t e d ;

A p p l i c a t i o n s f o r C e r t i f i c a t e s o r C a n c e l l a t i o n t h e r e o f .......... 3 R a t e a n d T a r i f f A d j u s t m e n t P r o c e e d i n g s ............ .... . . . . . . 1 1 S p e c i a l O r d e r s .................................................. 2

A P P LIC A T IO N FOR C E R T IF IC A T E S OF P U B L IC CONVENIENCE AND N EC ES SIT Y
OR CAN CELLATIO N THEREOF

N on-D ocket Ja n u a ry 20, 1976 C e r t ific a t e No. 333 Amendment 6

A p p lic a t io n o f S ta n d a rd T e le p h o n e Com pany f o r Amendment to i t s C e r t if ic a t e o f P u b lic C o n v e n ie n c e and N e c e s s it y f o r s e r v ic e to b e r e n d e r e d i n a p o r t io n o f t h e C o m p a n y 's D em orest Exchang e.

N on-D ocket Ja n u a ry 20, 1976 C e r t if ic a t e No. 335 Amendment 4

A p p lic a t io n o f S ta n d a rd T e le p h o n e Com pany f o r Amendment to i t s C e r t if ic a t e o f P u b lic C o n v e n ie n c e an d N e c e s s it y f o r s e r v ic e to b e re n d e re d in a p o rtio n o f th e Com pany' s D em orest E xchange.

D ocket No. 2940-U June 14 , 1976 C e rt i f i c a te N o. 744

A p p lic a t io n o f S ta n d a rd T e le p h o n e Com pany f o r C e r t if ic a t e o f P u b lic C o n v e n ie n c e and N e c e s s it y f o r T o l l L in e s l i n k i n g a l l Com pany exch a n g e s in H abersham , W h ite , Tow ns, U n io n , L u m p k in a n d D aw son C o u n t ie s .

-1 4 -

RATES AND T A R IF F ADJUSTMENTS

D ocket N o. 2897-U Jan u ary 20, 1976

A p p lic a tio n f o r an a d ju stm e n t in th e s c h e d u le s o f r a te s and ch a rg e s f o r th e in t r a s t a t e s e r v ic e fu rn is h e d by S o u th e rn B e ll T e le p h o n e & T e le g ra p h Com pany i n G a.

D ocket N o, 2893-U A p r il 6 , 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f C it iz e n s T e le p h o n e Com pany, I n c . f o r A u t h o r it y to M ake an A d ju stm e n t i n r a t e s f o r L o c a l T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e .

D ocket No, 2894-U A p r il 6 , 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f C it iz e n s T e le p h o n e Com pany f o r A u th o rity to Make C e rta in G e n e ra l Exchange T a r if f R e v is io n s .

D ocket No. 2918-U A p r il 20, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f W ilk in s o n C o u n ty T e le p h o n e Company f o r A u th o r ity to In c re a s e i t s R a te s f o r T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e .

D ocket N o. 2919-U A p r il 20, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f W ilk in s o n C o u n ty T e le p h o n e
Com pany, I n c . fo r A u th o rity to In c re a se
C e rta in G e n e ra l T a r if f Ite m s, P a rt I I .

D ocket No. 2914-U A u g u st 3, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f A lm a T e le p h o n e C om p any, I n c . f o r A u th o rity to In c re a s e R a te s fo r L o c a l S e r v ic e .

D ocket N o. 2915-U A ug ust 3, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f A lm a T e le p h o n e Com pany f o r A u th o rity to Make C e rta in G e n e ra l Exchange T a r if f R e v is io n s .

D ocket No. 2941-U Novem ber 22, 1976

A p p lic a tio n o f U te lw ic o , I n c . f o r A u th o rity to Make C e rta in G e n e ra l Exchange T a r if f R e v is io n s .

D ocket No. 2944-U Novem ber 24, 1976

A p p lic a tio n f o r an a d ju stm e n t in th e sch e d u le s o f R a te s and C h arg e s f o r th e I n t r a s t a te S e r v ic e fu rn is h e d by S o u th e rn B e ll T e le p h o n e & T e le g ra p h Com pany i n G e o r g ia .

D ocket No. 2950-U Novem ber 24, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f P u b lic S e r v ic e T e le p h o n e C o . f o r A u th o r ity to M ake V a rio u s A d ju stm e n ts i n R a te s f o r L o c a l T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e and f o r G en eral T a r if f Ite m s.

D ocket No. 2949-U Decem ber 7, 1976

A p p lic a t io n o f P la n t T e le p h o n e an d P o w e r C o . I n c . f o r A u th o rity to In c re a s e L o c a l S e rv ic e C h arges in th e Lenox and P in e h u rs t Exchanges

-15-

D ocket No. 2895-U A u g u st 17 , 1976
D ocket No. 2966-U O ctob er 5 , 1976

S P E C IA L ORDERS
P e t it io n o f B u s in e s s -T e le p h o n e S y ste m s , I n c . et a l , f o r f u r t h e r h e a r i n g o n t h e D i m e n s i o n
P B X T a r i f f o f S o u th e rn B e l l T e le p h o n e C o .
O rd e r to Show C a u se - G e o rg ia P u b lic S e r v ic e C o m m is sio n v s . R oadw ay E x p r e s s , I n c . ,
(T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e O b s e r v in g L ic e n s e )
TAR IFF FILIN G S

A p p lic a t io n s f o r t a r i f f r e v is io n s a r e u s u a lly s u b m it te d f o r C o m m is sio n a p p ro v a l d u rin g A d m in is tr a tiv e S e s s io n . T h is S e c tio n in v e s t ig a t e s th e s e p ro p o s e d r e v is io n s a n d m akes re c o m m e n d a tio n s a s r e q u ir e d . D u rin g 1 9 7 6 th e C o m m is sio n to o k a c t io n upon 16 0 t a r i f f f i l i n q s .

CORRESPONDENCE AND CONSUMER COM PLAINTS

T h e T e le p h o n e E n g in e e r in g S e c t io n c o n tin u e d t o h a n d le c o rre s p o n d e n c e and consum er c o m p la in ts o f v a ry in g c o m p le x ity .

E x c lu d in g r o u tin e in q u ir ie s , th e s e c tio n in v e s t ig a te d and re sp o n d e d
t o som e 550 fo rm a l l e t t e r c o m p la in ts a n d o v e r 170 te le p h o n e c o m p la in ts w h ich re q u ire d in v e s t ig a t io n .

T y p ic a l e x a m p le s o f th e s e p ro b le m s a r e :

(1) D e s ire o f r u r a l d w e lle r to h a v e te le p h o n e s e r v ic e when th e com pany i s r e lu c t a n t to in v e s t in r e q u ir e d lin e e x te n s io n .

(2 ) C o m m u n ity p e t i t i o n s c o m p la in in g o f g e n e r a lly p o o r s e r v ic e .

(3 ) T e le p h o n e c u t - o f f s due to r e a l o r a lle g e d la t e p a y m e n ts .

(4) D is p u te s o v e r d e p o s its f o r s e r v ic e o r b i l l i n g e r r o r s .

(5) In a d e q u a cy o f f a c i l i t i e s r e s u lt in g in b lo c k e d c ir c u i t s , n o is e , and c u t- o ffs .

(6) C o n n e c tio n o f p r iv a t e ly - o w n e d e x t e n s io n p h o n e s o r o t h e r e q u ip m e n t. (7) T e le p h o n e h a ra s s m e n t o f s u b s c r ib e r s .

(8) D ir e c to r y l is t i n g e r r o r s .

(9) S e r v ic e u p grade re q u e s ts .

(10) P a r ty lin e d is p u te s betw een s u b s c r ib e r s .

(11) P e t it io n s f o r e xte n d e d a re a c a llin g s e r v ic e .

-1 6 -

EtOlftV -

. .



.

a V* 5 1-. F'J

.

. .



SUMidARY O F T E LE P H O N E E N G IN E E R IN G FIE LD IN VESTIFATIO N S IN 1976

DATES

LO C A T IO N S

COMPANY

PURPOSE

1/6 1/12 1/19 1/22 2/11 2/11
3/3 5/7 5/14

Sm yrna H in e s v ille A lm a B lu e R id g e A tla n ta C la x to n and N e w in g to n L in c o ln to n Jon esb oro S to n e M o u n ta in

5/18

S to n e M o u n ta in

5/24 7/13 8/2 8/4 8/7 8/12 8/25 9/23 9/30 9/30 1 0 /1 1 1 0 /1 3
1 1 /4 1 1 /5 1 1 /8 1 1 /1 8
1 1 /2 0 1 2 /9 1 2 /1 0 1 2 /1 3 1 2 /1 7

C onyers R e y n o ld s Cum m ing C la y to n C a rte ca y B lu e R id g e C o lu m b u s Thomas to n A tla n ta A tla n ta th ru G ra y , G le n n v ille , R ic o n , N ahunta C la y to n A tla n ta A tla n ta H o m e rv ille , Dupont & T arver D a n v ille G le n n v ille M acon Sm yrna E a st P o in t

S o u th ern B e ll C o a sta l U t ilit ie s A lm a B lu e R id g e S ou th ern B e ll CTC & P la n te rs
R u ral W ilk e s S o u th ern B e ll Fund A m e ric a , I n c .
Fund A m e ric a , I n c .
S o u th ern B e ll P u b lic S e r v ic e S ou th ern B e ll CTC E llija y B lu e R id g e S ou th ern B e ll Thom aston
G a . Hwy. E x p re s s
Roadway E x p re ss
C o n tin e n ta l CTC & B ra n tle y CTC C o s v e tic s Lab s Roadway E xp re ss CTC
C o n tin e n ta l CTC & Sou. B e ll S o u th ern B e ll S ou th ern B e ll S ou th ern B e ll

S e r v ic e C o m p la in ts
E q u ip m e n t I n s p e c t io n Boundary Su rvey S e r v ic e C o m p la in ts Boundary S u rvey
S e r v ic e C o m p la in t S e r v ic e C o m p la in t I n s p e c t io n - T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e O b s e rv in g E q u ip . (TSOE) I n s p e c t io n - T e le p h o n e S e r v ic e O b s e rv in g E q u ip . (TSOE) S e r v ic e C o m p la in t C u sto m e r C o m p la in t EAS R equest C u sto m e r C o m p la in t Exchange C u t-o ve r C u sto m e r C o m p la in t S e r v ic e R e q u est R e q u e sts f o r R u ra l S e r v ic e TSOE In s p e c tio n TSOE In s p e c tio n
S e r v ic e C o m p la in ts an d R e q u e st f o r R u ra l S e r v ic e . C u sto m e r C o m p la in t TSOE In s p e c tio n TSOE I n s p e c tio n C u sto m e r C o m p la in ts
S e r v ic e R eq u est Boundary S u rve y T .A .S . I n v e s tig a tio n T .A .S . I n v e s tig a tio n T .A .S . I n v e s tig a tio n

TELEPHONE SE R V IC E OBSERVING LIC EN SIN G A C T IV IT Y -1976

L ic e n s e A p p lic a t io n s R e c e iv e d

14

L ic e n s e A p p lic a t io n s D is m is s e d

1

L ic e n s e A p p lic a t io n s D e n ie d

3

L ic e n s e s I s s u e d (A s l i s t e d b e lo w )

10

17-

COMPANY
A m e ric a n E x p re s s Com pany C h e m tru st I n d u s tr ie s C o rp o ra tio n H e rita g e P u b lis h in g Com pany, I n c . Em ory U n iv e r s it y
M e tro . Em erg. Med. S e r v ic e s , In c .
Fund A m e ric a , I n c . R a sh , C u r tis and A s s o c ia te s C o s v e tic s L a b o r a to r ie s , In c . T .L . S h e p p a rd dba M a g ic a l M om ents F u lt o n D e K a lb H o s p it a l A u t h o r it y

LICEN SE NO.
167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176

D EPRECIATIO N STU D IES

ISSU E DATE
2 /3 /7 6 4 /2 0 /7 6 4 /2 0 /7 6 4 /2 0 /7 6 5 /1 2 /7 6 5 /1 2 /7 6 7 /6 /7 6 1 0 /1 9 /7 6 1 2 /8 /7 6 1 2 /2 7 /7 6

F o u r in d e p e n d e n t te le p h o n e co m p a n ie s f i l e d d e p r e c ia t io n s t u d ie s w h ic h w e re a n a ly z e d b y th e te le p h o n e s e c t io n a n d p r e s e n t e d t o th e C o m m is s io n . T h e se w e re A lm a , C h ic k a m a u g a , E m p ire a n d E H i ja y T e le p h o n e C o m p a n ie s.

TELEPHONE U T ILIT IE S A C T IV IT Y S o u th e rn B e ll T e le p h o n e a n d T e le g ra p h Com pany

T o t a l te le p h o n e in s e r v ic e f o r S o u th e rn B e ll in G e o rg ia a t th e end o f 1976 w e re 3 ,0 2 6 ,2 5 3 . T h is i s an in c r e a s e o f 1 8 1 ,8 5 9 f o r th e y e a r , w h ich i s a s u b s t a n t ia l im p ro v e m e n t o v e r 1 9 7 5 . The in w a rd m ovem ent a ls o in c r e a s e d o v e r
1975 by 9 8 ,9 6 6 to 9 5 0 ,1 3 8 . O utw ard m ovem ent was 7 6 4 ,2 0 1 , a 5206 in c re a s e o v e r
1975.

O f th o s e G e o rg ia f a m ilie s liv in g in th e a re a s s e rv e d b y S o u th e rn B e ll , th e p e r c e n t w it h te le p h o n e s e r v ic e m oved s l i g h t l y t o 93.3% . S e c o n d l in e s i n r e s id e n c e s i s now a t 2.3% o f r e s id e n c e s w it h t e le p h o n e s e r v i c e .
A s m e n tio n e d la s t y e a r , a l l o f B e l l 's c u s to m e rs h a v e a c c e s s t o th e d ir e c t d is ta n c e d ia lin g n e tw o rk . The p e rc e n t c u s to m e r-d ia le d lo n g d is ta n c e m e s s a g e s i n 1 9 7 6 w as 8 5 .7 , a n in c r e a s e o f 3.8% o v e r 1 9 7 5 . T h e p e r c e n t WATS c u s t o m e r --d i a l e d m e s s a g e s w a s 9 8 .7 % , a n i n c r e a s e o f .2% o v e r t h e p r e v i o u s y e a r . The A tla n t a m e tro A re a was c o n v e rte d , d u rin g 19 7 6 , to f u l l TSPS o p e ra tio n , w h ich a llo w s th ird -n u m b e r o r c r e d it c a rd b i l l i n g on d ir e c t - d ia le d c a ll s . S a v a n n a h a n d C o lu m b u s a ls o c o n v e r t e d t o TSPS o p e r a t io n i n 1 9 7 6 .
D u rin g 1 9 7 6 , S o u th e rn B e ll s p e n t a p p ro x im a te ly $324 m illio n in G e o rg ia f o r new c o n s t r u c tio n .
T he im p ro v e m e n t i n s e r v ic e t o B e l l 's c u s to m e rs c o n t in u e s , a n d a s o f t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r 94.6% o f o u r r e s id e n c e c u s to m e r s h a d i n d i v i d u a l l i n e s e r v i c e . O n ly .8% h a d 4 - p a r t y s e r v i c e , w h ic h a m o u n ts t o 9 6 0 9 s u b s c r i b e r s , a n d re p re s e n ts a re d u c tio n o f 3145 d u rin g 1976. A ls o d u rin g 1 9 76, E xte n d e d C o m m u n ity C a l li n g o n a o n e -w a y b a s is w as o f f e r e d V i l l a R ic a t o D o u g la s v ille , V illa R ic a to A tla n t a and Gay to G r e e n v ille .

- 18-

In 1 9 7 6 , S o u th e rn B e ll m ade 71 t a r i f f f i l i n g s in v o lv in g 1093 p a g e s o f new o r changed s e rv ic e o f f e r in g s .
S o u th e rn B e ll e m p lo y e d 1 7 ,5 9 1 p e o p le i n G e o rg ia a t th e end o f 1 9 7 6 , w h ic h i s a d e c re a s e o f 189 fro m th e end o f 1 9 7 5 , a n d p a id i t s e m p lo y e e s in G e o rg ia $ 2 4 9 ,1 4 2 ,0 0 0 .
D u rin g th e p a s t y e a r, S o u th e rn B e ll in G e o rg ia p a id in lo c a l and S ta te ta x e s an am ount in e x ce ss o f $ 4 2 ,7 6 5 ,0 0 0 .
I n a d d it io n , G e o rg ia te le p h o n e c u s to m e rs p a id , on t h e ir te le p h o n e s e r v ic e , o v e r $ 8 ,9 6 0 ,0 0 0 in S ta te s a le s ta x e s , o v e r $ 1 ,2 7 6 ,0 0 0 in s a le s ta x e s f o r MARTA an d o v e r $ 3 3 3 ,0 0 0 i n lo c a l o p t io n t a x e s .
G e n e ra l T e le p h o n e Com pany o f th e S o u th e a s t
T o t a l te le p h o n e s i n s e r v ic e f o r G e n e ra l T e le p h o n e Com pany i n G e o rg ia a t th e end o f 1976 w ere 2 0 6 ,2 8 4 . T h is re p re s e n ts an in c r e a s e f o r th e y e a r o f 1 0 ,1 0 9 . The in w a rd m ovem ent was 4 6 ,2 9 7 - up 1 ,4 7 0 fro m 1 9 7 5 , an d o u tw a rd te le p h o n e m ovem ent w as 3 6 ,1 8 8 - dovm 5 ,2 1 2 fro m 1 9 7 5 .
D u r in g 1 9 7 6 , G e n e ra l T e le p h o n e s p e n t i n e x c e s s o f $14 m i l li o n on c o n s t r u c t io n o f te le p h o n e f a c i l i t i e s in G e o rg ia in th e c o n tin u in g p r o v is io n o f good s e rv ic e fo r i t s cu sto m ers.
A s o f th e end o f th e y e a r, th e t o t a l o n e -p a rty s t a t io n s was 8 8 ,8 5 7 a n d r e p r e s e n t s 68.6% o f t h e t o t a l m a in s t a t i o n s . A s r e p o r t e d l a s t y e a r , G e n e ra l T e le p h o n e h a s n o e ig h t - p a r t y s e r v ic e an d a l l c u s to m e rs h a v e a c c e s s to th e d ir e c t d is ta n c e d ia lin g n e tw o rk .
D u rin g 1 9 7 6 , th e re w ere 28 t a r i f f f i li n g s in v o lv in g new o r changed
s e rv ic e o ffe r in g s ; how ever, th e re have been no changes in th e exchange c a llin g
a re a s s in c e th e 1975 H a h ira -V a ld o s ta O p tio n a l C a llin g P la n .
G e n e ra l T e le p h o n e e m p lo y e d 1 ,0 8 9 p e o p le i n G e o rg ia a t th e en d o f 1 9 7 6 ,
G e n e ra l p a id i t s G e o rg ia e m p lo y e e s i n e x c e s s o f $13 m illio n a n d p a id $ 3 ,7 6 0 ,3 3 6 in lo c a l and s t a t e ta x e s in G e o rg ia d u rin g 1976.
RADIO U T IL IT IE S EN GIN EERIN G
The G e o r g ia P u b lic S e r v ic e C o m m is sio n c o n tin u e d i t s r e g u la t o r y j u r i s d i c t i o n o v e r 32 c e r t i f i c a t e d r a d io common c a r r i e r s r e n d e r in g s e r v ic e to 1 0 ,7 2 5 p a g e rs and 2 ,0 7 5 m o b ile te le p h o n e s . E n g in e e rin g a c t i v it ie s in 1976 h ave in c lu d e d th e fo llo w in g c e r t if ic a t e a p p lic a tio n s
D o ck e t 2 9 2 9 -U . A p p lic a t io n b y W est G e o rg ia P a g in g f o r a r a d io u t i l i t y c e r t if ic a t e o f p u b lic c o n v e n ie n c e and n e c e s s it y to p r o v id e a one-v/ay p a g in g s e r v ic e in th e L a G ra n g e , G e o rg ia a re a .
D o ck e t 2 9 6 4 -U . A p p lic a t io n b y C o v in g to n C o m m u n ic a tio n s, I n c . f o r a r a d io u t i l i t y c e r t if ic a t e o f p u b lic c o n v e n ie n c e and n e c e s s it y to p r o v id e a 1-w ay and 2-w ay s e r v ic e in th e C o v in g to n , G e o rg ia a re a .
-1 9 -

D ocket 2965-U . A p p lic a tio n o f A ir v o ic e , I n c . f o r amendment o f i t s c e r t if ic a t e to p ro v id e a r a d io u t i l i t y s e r v ic e to an expanded a re a in and a ro u n d C o rd e le , G e o rg ia a re a .
A t o t a l o f 43 ra d io u t i l i t y h e a rin g s f o r v a rio u s p u rp o se s have been co n d u cte d d u rin g th e p a s t f iv e y e a rs . Seven s e p a ra te r a d io u t i l i t y t a r i f f s , lo a n s , a n d new s e r v ic e o f f e r in g s r e q u ir in g C o m m is sio n a u t h o r it y w e re t r a n s a c t e d in A d m in is t r a t iv e S e s s io n , and a t o t a l o f 386 r a d io u t ilit y - o r ie n t e d te le p h o n e d in q u ir ie s w ere c o o rd in a te d b y t h is d e p a rtm e n t.
NATURAL GAS U T IL IT IE S ENGINEERING
C o m m is sio n j u r i s d i c t i o n a l a u t h o r it y o v e r n a t u r a l g a s s y s te m s i n G e o rg ia was n o t m o d ifie d d u rin g 1976 an d e x te n d s to f o u r p riv a te ly - o w n e d g a s d is t r ib u t io n c o m p a n ie s : A t la n t a G as L ig h t C om pany, G as L ig h t Com pany o f C o lu m b u s, U n ite d C i t i e s G as Com pany in G a in e s v ille , an d C h a tta n o o g a G as Com pany. O v e r 1 .5 m illio n r e s id e n t ia l, in d u s t r ia l an d c o m m e rc ia l c u s to m e rs i n G e o rg ia r e c e iv e s e r v ic e fro m th e s e c o m p a n ie s a n d c e r t a in m u n ic ip a lly owned sy ste m s.
T h is C o m m is sio n in t e r v e n e d i n th e d o c k e te d p r o c e e d in g C P 7 4 -3 2 9 b e f o r e th e F e d e r a l P o w e r C o m m is sio n (FPC ) on b e h a lf o f G e o r g ia c it iz e n s a n d i n s u p p o r t o f th e r e q u e s t b y A t la n t a G as L ig h t Company (AGL) f o r a u t h o r it y t o p r o v id e a d d it io n a l d e liv e r ie s t o C o lu m b ia N it r o g e n C o r p o r a t io n a n d N IP R O , I n c . in A u g u s ta . The in t e r v e n t io n s o u g h t r e h e a r in g o f th e FPC o rd e r d e n y in g A G L ' s a p p lic a tio n to s h if t c e r ta in gas q u a n titie s from th e A tla n ta a re a to th e A u g u sta a re a fo r th e a fo re s a id p u rp o se .
A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Company
A t la n t a G as L ig h t Com pany (AGL) s e rv e d 7 2 2 ,0 9 9 c u s to m e rs w it h n a t u r a l g a s s e r v ic e in 196 m u n ic ip a lit ie s lo c a te d in 73 c o u n tie s in G e o rg ia on D ecem ber 3 1 , 1976. T h is was an in c r e a s e o f 2 0 ,4 1 4 o v e r th e p re v io u s D ecem ber 3 1 , 1975 an d in c lu d e d 1 8 ,2 0 2 r e s id e n t ia l c u s to m e rs , 2 ,2 9 4 c o m m e rc ia l, an d s i x a d d it io n a l p u b lic a u t h o r it ie s .
AGL h a s lo n g -te rm c o n tr a c ts w ith i t s th re e n a t u r a l g a s p ip e lin e s u p p l i e r s f o r m axim um d a i l y d e l i v e r i e s a g g r e g a t in g 8 5 4 ,6 0 0 t h o u s a n d c u b i c f e e t
(M cf) o T h ese c o n tr a c ts a re f o r f ir m s e r v ic e fro m S o u th e rn N a tu ra l Gas Company
(S o u th e rn ) o f 7 3 7 ,5 0 0 M c f p e r d a y , T ra n s c o n tin e n ta l Gas P ip e L in e C o rp o ra tio n (T ra n sc o ) o f 1 0 7 ,6 0 0 M c f p e r d ay and fro m S o u th G e o rg ia N a tu ra l Gas Com pany 9 ,5 0 0 M c f p e r d a y . A d d it io n a l c o n tr a c ts a re w ith T ra n s c o f o r u n d e rg ro u n d s to ra g e s e r v ic e o f up t o 9 ,3 1 4 ,6 7 0 M c f a t any one tim e an d d e liv e r y th e re fro m a t a d a ily r a te o f up to 1 4 4 ,2 9 0 M c f; f o r liq u e f ie d n a tu r a l g a s o f an a g g re g a te o f 2 0 7 ,6 1 0 M c f d u rin g each w in te r se a so n a t a d a ily r a t e o f 4 1 ,5 2 2 M c f; and f o r p e a k in g s e r v ic e a t 4 ,5 0 0 M c f p e r day f o r an a n n u a l t o t a l o f 1 3 5 ,0 0 0 M c f.
To su p p le m e n t e x is t in g s o u rc e s o f g a s s u p p ly t o m eet p e a k dem and s, AGL i s c o n s t r u c t in g an a d d it io n a l liq u e f ie d n a t u r a l g a s (LNG) ta n k in Jo n e s C o u n ty , e a s t o f M acon. T h is ta n k w il l h o ld th e e q u iv a le n t o f 1 .5 b i l li o n c u b ic f e e t o f g a s in liq u id fo rm and p ro v id e g r e a t ly in c re a s e d p e a k s h a v in g c a p a b il it y f o r th e M a c o n - M ille d g e v ille a r e a d u r in g c o ld w e a th e r . When n e e d e d
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to m e e t p e a k l o a d s , t h e L N G w i l l b e v a p o r i z e d a n d f e d b a c k i n t o t h e s y s t e m .
T h is p la n t a d d s 1 0 0 ,0 0 0 M c f p e r d a y p e a k s h a v in g c a p a c it y t o th e c o m p a n y 's syste m .
AGL a ls o m a in ta in s e ig h t p e a k -s h a v in g p la n t s w h ich s u p p ly p r o p a n e - a ir g a s to i t s s y s te m t o s u p p le m e n t th e g a s s u p p ly i n v e r y c o ld w e a th e r o r i n e m e rg e n c ie s . S to ra g e c a p a c ity o f th e s e p la n t s i s 1 3 ,3 3 9 ,8 5 5 g a llo n s o f liq u id p ro p a n e . The r a te d d a ily g a s -m a k in g c a p a c it y b a s e d on a tw e n ty h o u r day t o t a ls 2 0 4 ,8 0 6 M c f o f n a t u r a l g a s e q u iv a le n t , an d th e num ber o f d a y s d u rin g w h ich f u l l c a p a c ity ca n b e m a in ta in e d w ith o u t re p la c e m e n t o f liq u id p ro p a n e v a r ie s fro m th re e to te n d a y s , a v e ra g in g s ix d a y s . AGL i s a d d in g 1 ,1 3 4 ,0 0 0 g a llo n s o f liq u id p ro p a n e s to ra g e in th e A t la n t a D iv is io n a r e a , w h ich i s s c h e d u le d f o r c o m p le tio n p r io r t o th e 1 9 7 7 -7 8 w in te r s e a s o n .
A tla n t a Gas L ig h t Company h a s been a d v is e d t h a t , a s o f D ecem ber 31, 1 9 7 6 , S o u th e rn had o u ts ta n d in g a p p ro x im a te ly $ 1 2 6 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 in a d v a n ce paym en ts t o p ro d u c e rs w h ich g iv e S o u th e rn a f i r s t c a l l on g a s d is c o v e r e d an d p ro d u c e d from c e r ta in s p e c ifie d a cre a g e .
S o u t h e r n i s a 50% o w n e r o f S e a R o b in P i p e l i n e C o m p a n y , w h ic h o w n s a n d
o p e ra te s a 335 m ile s u p p ly lin e e x te n d in g in t o th e G u lf o f M e x ic o . I n F e b ru a ry
1 9 7 7 , S e a R o b in r e c e iv e d FPC a p p ro v a l t o c o n s t r u c t $ 4 0 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 o f p ip e lin e f a c i l i t i e s o f f th e L o u is ia n a c o a s t to c o n n e ct new gas s u p p lie s to i t s sy ste m .
In Novem ber 19 7 6 , S o u th e rn e n te re d in t o an agreem ent w ith th e S ta te o f A la s k a to p u rc h a s e a p o r t io n o f th a t S t a t e 's r o y a lt y in t e r e s t in th e A la s k a n N o rth S lo p e g a s re s e rv e s . The agreem ent i s c o n tig e n t upon FPC a p p ro v a ls and o th e r g o v e rn m e n ta l a p p r o v a ls o f th e T r a n s -A la s k a p ip e lin e p r o je c t w h ich h a s been p ro p o se d to th e FPC by a s u b s id ia r y o f E l Paso N a tu ra l Gas Com pany.
A s o f D ecem ber 3 1 , 1 9 7 6 , T ra n s c o , an d an a f f i l i a t e o f T ra n s c o w h ich h as c o n tra c te d to s e ll g as p u rch a se d by i t to T ra n s c o , had o u ts ta n d in g ad van ce paym e n ts to p ro d u c e rs t o t a lin g a p p ro x im a te ly $ 3 3 8 ,9 0 8 ,0 0 0 .
T h ro u g h a w h o lly -o w n e d s u b s id ia r y , T ra n s c o h a s b e en a c t iv e ly in v o lv e d in o i l and gas e x p lo ra tio n a c t iv it ie s in th e G u lf C o a st a re a . A t Decem ber 3 1 , 1 9 7 6 , T ra n s c o h ad an in v e s tm e n t o f a p p ro x im a te ly $ 2 9 5 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 in th e s e e x p lo r a t io n a n d d e v e lo p m e n t a c t i v i t i e s a n d a t t h a t d a te h a d d e v e lo p e d a n d u n d e v e lo p e d p ro ven gas re s e rv e s (n e t o f r o y a lt ie s , o v e rrid in g r o y a lt ie s and o th e r o u tsta n d in g in t e r e s t s ) a g g re g a tin g 235 b i l l i o n c u b ic f e e t . T ra n s c o h a s b u d g e te d a p p ro x im a te ly $ 1 4 4 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 f o r e x p lo r a tio n a c t iv it ie s in 19 77.
T r a n s c o i s a 20% p a r t i c i p a n t i n H ig h I s l a n d O f f s h o r e S y s t e m ( " H I O S " ) , a p a r t n e r s h ip in v o lv in g f o u r o t h e r m a jo r g a s c o m p a n ie s fo rm e d t o c o n s t r u c t a n d own a 200 m ile u n d e rse a p ip e lin e sy s te m in th e G u lf o f M e x ic o v /h ic h , when c o m p le te d , w i l l e x t e n d 1 2 5 m ile s o f f s h o r e . T h e IlIO S s y s te m , w h ic h i s p r e s e n t ly u n d e r c o n s t r u c t io n , h a s been d e s ig n e d to t r a n s p o r t i n i t i a l l y 9 8 8 ,0 0 0 M c f p e r day w ith a p o t e n t ia l c a p a c ity o f 2 m illio n M c f p e r d a y.
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G as L ig h t Com pany o f C o lu m b u s

G as L ig h t Com pany o f C o lu m b u s s e r v e s th e C it y o f C o lu m b u s , G e o r g ia , and th e m ilit a r y in s t a lla t io n a t F o r t B e n n in g , G e o rg ia . They o p e ra te on a f i s c a l y e a r p e r io d e n d in g A u g u s t 3 1 . A t th e en d o f th e m o st r e c e n t f i s c a l y e a r , A u g u st 3 1 , 1 9 7 6 , t h is com pany was s e r v in g a t o t a l o f 4 6 ,7 0 1 cu sto m e rs o f w h ich 4 3 ,2 7 1 w ere c la s s if ie d r e s id e n t ia l, 3 ,3 5 0 c o m m e rc ia l and 80 in d u s t r ia l.

N o c h a n g e s i n t h e C o m p a n y 's r a t e s w e re p r o p o s e d o r m ade d u r in g th e y e a r e x c e p t chang es in th e P u rch a se d Gas A d ju stm e n t to r e f le c t th e h ig h e r w h o le s a le r a t e s o f S o u th e rn N a tu r a l.

U nder th e p r o v is io n s o f lo n g -te rm c o n t r a c t , S o u th e rn N a tu ra l i s o b l i g a t e d t o d e l i v e r a d a i l y m axim um q u a n t i t y o f 6 0 ,0 0 0 M c f o f g a s t o C o lu m b u s . L ik e m ost o th e r p ip e lin e s u p p lie r s , S o u th e rn N a tu ra l has been o rd e re d by th e F e d e r a l P o w e r C o m m is sio n t o c u r t a i l g a s s u p p lie s t o i t s c u s to m e rs i n a c c o rd a n c e w it h an end u s e p r i o r i t y p la n when i t i s u n a b le t o f u r n is h th e f u l l r e q u ir e m ents on i t s s y s te m . U nder th e n in e c a te g o ry p r io r it y p la n o rd e re d in t o e ffe c t d u rin g th e y e a r on S o u th e rn N a t u r a l's p ip e lin e sy ste m , r e s id e n t ia l and s m a ll c o m m e rc ia l u s e rs an d p u b lic in s t it u t io n s h a v e th e h ig h e s t p r i o r i t y , and cu sto m e rs w ith la r g e b o ile r f u e l re q u ire m e n ts w h ere o th e r f u e ls ca n b e s u b s t i tu te d h ave th e lo w e s t. S in c e th e Company does n o t s e rv e any o f th e la r g e r b o ile r f u e l lo a d s w h ic h f a l l in th e tw o lo w e s t p r i o r i t y c a t e g o r ie s , th e c u r t a i l m ent p la n h a s n o t r e s u lt e d in any s ig n if ic a n t r e d u c tio n in i t s g as s u p p ly .

C o lu m b u s h a s l iq u e f i e d p e tr o le u m g a s (LPG ) a n d LNG f a c i l i t i e s w h ic h a r e u s e d t o su p p le m e n t th e s u p p ly o f n a t u r a l g a s on d a y s o f p e a k re q u ire m e n ts d u r in g t h e h e a t i n g s e a s o n . T h e L P G f a c i l i t y h a s a m axim um c a p a c i t y o f a p p ro x im a te ly 1 4 ,0 0 0 M c f p e r d a y , and LNG f a c i l i t y h a s th e c a p a b ilit y o f s u p p ly in g up to 3 0 ,0 0 0 M cf p e r d a y.

rr

The s u p p ly o f g as a v a ila b le fro m S o u th e rn N a tu ra l and p e a k s h a v in g

f a c i l i t i e s a p p e a r s t o b e a d e q u a te t o m e e t t h e r e q u ir e m e n t s o f t h e C o m p a n y 's

h ig h p r io r it y cu sto m rs f o r th e n e x t fe w y e a r s .

U n ite d C it ie s Gas Company

U n ite d C it ie s Gas Company (U n ite d ) i s a n a t u r a l g a s d is t r ib u t io n com pany o p e ra tin g in s ix s t a t e s and p u rc h a s e s i t s n a t u r a l g a s s u p p ly fro m s ix in t e r s t a t e p ip e lin e s and s e v e r a l s m a ll p ro d u c e rs . In G e o rg ia , U n ite d C it ie s . s e rv e s th e c it ie s o f G a in e s v ille and Oakwood and e n v iro n s o f H a ll C o u n ty . A t th e end o f 1 9 7 6 , th e y s e rv e d 7 ,4 8 1 cu sto m e rs in G e o rg ia , a s com pared to 7 ,1 3 7 a t th e end o f 19 75. T o ta l re v e n u e s w ere $ 2 ,0 7 5 ,1 4 4 , a s com pared to $ 2 ,1 5 6 ,2 5 4 th e p r io r y e a r. O f th e 7 ,4 8 1 c u sto m e rs , 6 ,0 3 2 a re r e s id e n t ia l, 907 a re c o m m e rc ia l, 42 a r e in d u s t r ia l, an d 500 a r e p u b lic a u t h o r it y .

U n it e d p u r c h a s e s 100% o f i t s n a t u r a l g a s s u p p ly i n G e o r g ia fro m T ra n s c o . T h is g as s u p p ly c o n s is t s o f an 8 ,1 0 0 M cf fir m c o n tr a c t an d 4 ,7 5 1 M c f w in te r o r s to ra g e s e r v ic e c o n tr a c t. T ra n sco h as c u r t a ile d t h e ir cu sto m e rs on a se a so n a l b a s is f o r th e p a s t fo u r y e a rs u n d er a u th o rity g ra n te d by th e F e d e ra l P o w e r C o m m is s io n . A s a r e s u lt o f t h is c u r t a ilm e n t , U n ite d i n 1976 w as u n a b le to m eet a l l o f t h e ir in t e r r u p t ib le c u s to m e rs ' a n n u a l re q u ire m e n ts . A t th e

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p re s e n t c u r ta ilm e n t le v e l, t h is s it u a t io n w il l e x is t in 1977. The Company a n t ic ip a t e s no p ro b le m in m e e tin g a l l o f t h e ir f ir m c u s to m e rs ' re q u ire m e n ts d u r in g th e c o m in g y e a r , e it h e r on a p e a k -d a y o r a n n u a l b a s is .
C h a tta n o o g a Gas Company
D u rin g 1 9 7 6 , C h a tta n o o g a Gas Com pany s e rv e d C h a tta n o o g a , T e n n e sse e , and i t s e n v ir o n s , in c lu d in g p o r tio n s o f H a m ilto n C o u n ty , T e n n e sse e , and a d ja c e n t c o m m u n itie s o f F o r t O g le th o rp e a n d R o s s v ille , G e o r g ia . T h ro u g h i t s C le v e la n d D iv is io n , C h a tta n o o g a a ls o s e rv e s C le v e la n d , T e n n essee lo c a te d in B r a d le y C o u n ty , T e n n e sse e a p p ro x im a te ly 30 m ile s n o r th e a s t o f C h a tta n o o g a . C h a tta n o o g a s e rv e s a p p ro x im a te ly 2 4 ,9 1 7 c u sto m e rs in T e n n e sse e and 489 c u s t o m e r s i n G e o r g i a r e p r e s e n t i n g a p p r o x i m a t e l y 97% a n d 3% o f a n n u a l r e v e n u e s , r e s p e c tiv e ly .
D u r i n g 1 9 7 6 , i n d u s t r i a l s a l e s a m o u n t e d t o 74% o f t o t a l g a s r e v e n u e s w h i l e c o m m e r c ia l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l s a l e s c o n t r i b u t e d a p p r o x im a t e ly 13% e a c h J t o s u c h r e v e n u e s . C h a t ta n o o g a 's 19 76 s a le s v o lu m e r e f le c t e d a g a in o f a p p r o x i m a t e l y 6% o v e r t h e p r e v i o u s y e a r d u e t o t h e c o l d e r w e a t h e r e x p e r i e n c e d d u r i n g N o v e m b e r a n d D e c e m b e r . O p e r a t i n g r e v e n u e s i n c r e a s e d a p p r o x im a t e l y 30% f r o m $ 2 7 ,1 0 4 ,6 5 5 to $ 3 5 ,1 0 2 ,2 7 0 due to h ig h e r r a te s r e s u lt in g from in c re a s e d c o s t o f gas pu rch ased .
C h a tta n o o g a r e c e iv e s i t s b a s ic s u p p ly o f n a t u r a l g a s fro m tw o n a t u r a l g a s p ip e lin e c o m p a n ie s , E a s t T e n n e sse e a n d S o u th e rn N a t u r a l, u n d e r c o n t r a c t s e x p ir in g in 1986 and 19 88, p ro v id in g f o r a c u rre n t d a ily c o n tr a c t demand o f 1 0 1 ,5 6 5 M c f. E ach o f th e s u p p lie r s h as p la c e d in e f f e c t t a r i f f p r o v is io n s f o r r e d u c in g a c t u a l d e liv e r ie s t o c u s to m e rs b e lo w th e am oun ts o f t h e ir c u r r e n t ly e f f e c t iv e d a ily c o n tra c t demand.
On D ecem ber 1 , 1 9 7 4 , E a s t T e n n e sse e p la c e d in e f f e c t a p la n f o r a llo c a t in g gas q u a n titie s a v a ila b le from i t s s u p p lie r , Tennessee Gas P ip e lin e C o m p a n y , w h ic h h a d t h e e f f e c t o f l i m i t i n g C h a t t a n o o g a 's p o t e n t i a l m axim um a n n u a l p u rch a se s fro m E a s t T ennessee to th e am ount o f 1 5 ,9 3 4 ,8 0 9 M cf (base p e r io d v o lu m e s w h ic h r e p r e s e n t C h a t ta n o o g a 's a c t u a l p u rc h a s e s fro m E a s t T e n n essee f o r th e tw e lv e m onths ended D ecem ber 1 9 7 3 ).
A ls o , S o u th e rn w as d ir e c t e d b y th e F e d e r a l P o w e r C o m m issio n t o p la c e in e f f e c t on N ovem ber 2 7 , 1975 a c u r t a ilm e n t p la n b a se d on th e F P C 's e n d -u s e c o n c e p t. D u rin g 1 9 7 6 , th e FP C is s u e d O p in io n N o. 7 4 7 -B w h ich a lt e r e d p r e v io u s e n d -u se c o n c e p ts by e lim in a t in g th e f ir m - in t e r r u p t ib le d is t in c t io n . T h is p la n r e p la c e d th e c u r t a ilm e n t p la n u n d e r w h ich th e S o u th e rn sy s te m h a d o p e ra te d s in c e Ja n u a ry , 1972.
C h a tta n o o g a G a s ' liq u e f ie d n a t u r a l g a s p la n t , c o n s t r u c t io n o f w h ich com m enced in A p r i l , 1 9 7 1 , w as c o m p le te d in 1972 an d p la c e d in u se d u r in g th e 1 9 7 3 -7 4 h e a tin g s e a s o n . The p la n t i s d e s ig n e d w ith a r e f r ig e r a t io n c a p a c ity to liq u e f y 1 0 ,0 0 0 M c f- in liq u id fo rm (3 4 8 ,0 0 0 b a r r e ls ) and v a p o r iz a tio n c a p a c ity s e n d -o u t o f 9 0 ,0 0 0 M c f . ( l M c f o f LNG i s e q u iv a le n t o f 600 M c f v a p o riz e d ) . The p la n t h as an a n n u a l c a p a c ity o f o v e r 2 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0 M c f liq u id , f u l l y u t i l i z i n g th e c o m b in a tio n o f s to ra g e a n d p r o d u c t io n . The p la n t o p e r a t e d a t o n l y 70% e f f i c i e n c y t o M a y , 1 9 7 5 , b e c a u s e o f c e r t a i n c o n s t r u c t i o n
-2 3 -

p ro b le m s w h ic h h a v e b e e n re m e d ie d b y th e g e n e r a l c o n t r a c t o r . S u b s e q u e n t t o M ay, 1 9 7 5 , th e p la n t h a s o p e ra te d a t , o r a b o v e , d e s ig n p e rfo rm a n ce le v e ls . In a d d it io n to p r o v id in g th e p e a k s h a v in g re q u ire m e n ts o f C h a tta n o o g a G a s , th e p la n t h a s r e f r ig e r a t io n and lo a d in g f a c i l i t i e s to p ro v id e f o r s a le o f liq u id gas to o th e r u t ilit ie s and in d u s tr ia l cu sto m ers. The to ta l c o s t o f t h is f a c i l i t y w as a p p ro x im a te ly $ 8 ,7 0 0 ,0 0 0 , w h ich was fin a n c e d b y lo n g -te rm lo a n s .
C h a tta n o o g a e m p lo y s 186 p e r s o n s , o f whom 126 a r e o p e r a t in g , s e r v ic e a n d c o n s t r u c t io n e m p lo y e e s an d 60 a r e a d m in is t r a t iv e , s a le s an d c l e r i c a l e m p lo y e e s.
NATURAL GAS SA FET Y ENGINEERING
C a le n d a r y e a r 1976 c o m p le te d th e e ig h t h y e a r o f th e g r a n t - in - a id c e r t if ic a t io n agreem en t, u nd er th e p r o v is io n s o f th e N a tu ra l Gas P ip e lin e S a fe t y A c t o f 1 9 6 8 , o f th e C o m m is s io n 's G as S a fe t y O f f ic e w it h th e O f f ic e o f P ip e lin e S a fe ty O p e ra tio n s o f th e U n ite d S ta te s D ep artm en t o f T r a n s p o r ta tio n . D u rin g t h e y e a r th e C o m m is sio n c o n tin u e d t o r e g u la t e th e s a f e o p e r a t io n o f th e f o u r p r iv a t e ly - o w n e d n a t u r a l g a s d i s t r ib u t io n c o m p a n ie s o p e r a t in g i n th e s t a t e , a s w e ll a s p o r t io n s o f th e m u n ic ip a lly -o w n e d g a s sy s te m s w h ich h a v e f a c i l i t i e s o u t s id e th e b o u n d a rie s o f th e c o u n ty o r c o u n tie s w h e re in th e m u n ic ip a lit y i s s it u a t e d . T h is r e g u la t io n c o n s is t s o f a s c e r t a in in g th e c o m p lia n c e o f th e s e gas system s to th e p r o v is io n s o f T it le 4 9 , Code o f F e d e ra l R e g u la tio n s , P a rt 1 9 2 , " T r a n s p o r t a t io n o f N a t u r a l a n d O t h e r G a s b y P i p e l i n e : M in im u m F e d e r a l S a fe ty S ta n d a rd s " . A t y e a r 's e n d , u n d e r th e f i f t y p e rc e n t fu n d in g p r o v is io n o f th e g r a n t - in - a id a g re e m e n t, th e C o m m is sio n w as e n t i t l e d t o r e c e iv e o v e r $ 7 1 ,0 0 0 i n re im b u rs e m e n t fro m th e F e d e r a l g o v e rn m e n t.
A t th e b e g in n in g o f 1976 th e Gas S a fe ty O f f ic e was f u l ly s t a ffe d w ith tw o e n g in e e rs , th re e g a s s a fe t y in s p e c t o r s , and on e f u ll- t im e s e c r e t a r y . I n t h is r e g a r d , a co m b in e d e x p e r ie n c e o f m ore th a n f o u r t e e n m a n -y e a rs i n n a tu ra l gas s a fe ty r e g u la tio n was o b se rv e d .
In c o o p e ra tio n w ith th e O f f ic e o f P ip e lin e S a fe t y , th e Gas S a fe ty O f f ic e s p o n so re d an in d u s t r y s e m in a r on n a t u r a l g a s s a f e t y in M a r ie tt a on Ju n e 9 and 1 0 . T h is s e m in a r, th e se co n d o f i t s ty p e in G e o rg ia , a t t r a c t e d 115 a tte n d e e s . I n s t r u c t io n w as p ro v id e d by p e rs o n n e l fro m th e T r a n s p o r ta tio n S a f e t y I n s t i t u t e , O kla h o m a C i t y , O kla h o m a a n d i t s S o u t h e r n R e g io n , O f f i c e o f P ip e lin e S a fe ty O p e ra tio n s .
O ne n a t u r a l g a s e x p lo s io n o c c u r r e d d u r in g th e y e a r i n C o lu m b u s a n d was in v e s tig a te d by p e rs o n n e l from th e Gas S a fe ty O ffic e . The e x p lo s io n , a t 716 B ro o k s R o a d , w as c a u se d b y g a s a c c u m u la tio n in se w e r sy s te m fro m a c r a c k i n a c a s t - ir o n m a in a n d r e s u lt e d i n e x t e n s iv e dam age t o th e r e s id e n c e a t th a t ad d ress.
I n th e s p r in g o f 1 9 7 6 , a j o i n t c o m m itte e w as fo rm e d t o d e v e lo p p r o c e d u re s a n d g u id e lin e s a n d m ake re c o m m e n d a tio n s c o n c e r n in g t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f a s ta n d a rd iz e d c e r t if ic a t io n p rog ram f o r g as p ip e lin e w e ld e rs in G e o rg ia . T h is c o m m itte e w as com posed o f r e p r e s e n t a t iv e s fro m th e G e o rg ia P u b lic S e r v ic e C o m m is s io n , S t a t e D e p a rtm e n t o f E d u c a t io n , an d p o s ts e c o n d a r y v o c a t io n a lt e c h n ic a l s c h o o ls . F o llo w in g th e g u id e lin e s o f A P I 1104 w h ic h h ad been
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a d o p te d b y th e G e o r g ia P u b lic S e r v ic e C o m m is sio n a n d u se d b y s t a t e s c h o o ls , w r it t e n p ro c e d u re s f o r t e s t in g and c e r t if y in g g a s p ip e lin e w e ld e rs w ere
d e v e lo p e d . I t i s a n t ic ip a t e d th a t th e w e ld in g c e r t if ic a t io n p ro g ra m , th e
f i r s t o f i t s k in d , w il l be a d m in is tra te d b y s t a t e s c h o o ls in th e f a l l o f
1977.

The f o llo w in g s e m in a rs and t r a in in g p ro g ra m s w ere a tte n d e d by v a rio u s g as s a fe ty p e rs o n n e l d u rin g th e y e a r:

(1) G e o rg ia M u n ic ip a l A s s o c ia t io n M e e tin g , p re s e n te d in J e k y ll I s la n d , G e o rg ia , Ju n e 2 1 -2 3 , 1976.

(2) Gas P ip e lin e F a ilu r e I n v e s t ig a t io n , p re s e n te d by T ra n s p o rta tio n S a f e t y I n s t i t u t e , O kla h o m a C i t y , O k la h o m a .

(3) S o u th e rn S ta te s R e g io n a l M e e tin g , P ip e lin e S a fe t y , h e ld in A tla n ta .

(4) S a fe ty E v a lu a tio n o f Gas P ip e lin e C o rro s io n C o n tro l S y ste m s, p r e s e n t e d b y T r a n s p o r t a t io n S a f e t y I n s t i t u t e , O k la h o m a C i t y , O k la h o m a .

(5) A dvanced C o u rse in S a fe ty E v a lu a tio n o f G as P ip e lin e C o rro s io n C o n t r o l S y s te m , p r e s e n t e d b y T r a n s p o r t a t io n S a f e t y I n s t i t u t e , O k la h o m a C i t y , O k la h o m a .
P e rs o n n e l fro m th e G as S a fe ty O f f ic e a s s is t e d th e S o u th e rn R e g io n O f f ic e o f th e F e d e r a l O f f ic e o f P ip e lin e S a f e t y O p e r a tio n s (OPSO) i n a j o i n t in s p e c t io n o f s e v e r a l g a s f a c i l i t i e s in G e o rg ia . T h ese in s p e c t io n s s e rv e d to in fo rm th e S o u th e rn R e g io n O f f ic e o f O .P .S .O . o f th e g a s p e rs o n n e l an d o p e r a t in g p r o c e d u re s o f th e c o m p a n ie s .

A d d itio n a l te c h n ic a l pu rch sed fo r use by gas s a fe ty f a c ilit ie s .

e q u ip m e n t t o m o n it o r c o r r o s io n c o n t r o l w as in s p e c to rs in th e in s p e c tio n o f in t r a s t a t e

F in a lly , 359 s e p a ra te in s p e c tio n s w ere p e rfo rm e d a t 68 c it ie s o r tow n s th ro u g h o u t th e s t a t e . A p p ro x im a te ly 104 ite m s o f n o n c o m p lia n c e w ere fo u n d d u rin g th e se in s p e c tio n s , and 93 o f th e se had been c o rre c te d by y e a r 's end . The m a jo r ity o f th e d is c r e p a n c ie s w ere in th e p ro c e s s o f b e in g c le a r e d , a s d e te rm in e d d u rin g th e la t e s t in s p e c t io n o f th e s y s te m s . M a jo r ite m s c o n c e r n in g t h e M in im u m F e d e r a l S a f e t y S t a n d a r d s w h ic h w e re c o v e r e d d u r in g th e se in s p e c tio n s in c lu d e th e fo llo w in g : c a th o d ic p r o te c tio n d e a d lin e o f A u g u st 1 , 1976 f o r th o se p ip e lin e s in s t a lle d a ft e r J u ly 31 , 1971; a w ritte n em ergency p la n ; r e p a ir and re c h e c k o f h a za rd o u s le a k s ; m o n ito rin g o f d is t r ic t r e g u la t o r s t a t io n m a in te n a n c e ; d e te rm in in g r e q u ir e d c a p a c it y o f p r e s s u r e r e lie v in g and lim it in g s t a t io n s ; and an o v e r a ll re v ie w o f r e c o rd -k e e p in g re q u ire m e n ts p e r th e o p e r a t o r s ' " O p e ra tin g and M a in te n a n c e P la n s ."

ELE C T R IC U T IL IT IE S ENGINEERING
The C o m m is sio n h a s f u l l r e g u la t o r y j u r i s d i c t i o n o v e r tw o p r iv a t e ly owned e le c t r ic u t i l i t i e s , th o s e b e in g G e o rg ia P ow er Com pany an d S avannah E l e c t r i c a n d P o w e r Com pany. T h e C o m m is sio n a ls o h a s p a r t i a l j u r i s d i c t i o n

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o v e r th e 52 m u n ic ip a lly -o w n e d e le c t r ic d is t r ib u t io n sy ste m s and 43 c o o p e r a t iv e ly - o w n e d e l e c t r i c m e m b e rs h ip c o r p o r a t io n s p u r s u a n t t o th e G e o rg ia T e r r it o r ia l E le c t r ic S e r v ic e A c t.
G e o rg ia T e r r it o r ia l E le c t r ic S e r v ic e A c t
F o llo w in g th e a p p ro v a l o f th e G e o rg ia T e r r it o r ia l E le c t r ic S e r v ic e A c t N o . 94 o n M a rc h 2 9 , 1 9 7 3 , th e C o m m is sio n p ro c e e d e d t o d e v e lo p r u le s , r e g u la t io n s a n d re c o m m e n d a tio n s f o r m a p p in g a n d o t h e r p r o c e d u re s in v o lv e d a s n e c e s s a r y t o c o m p ly w it h th e r e q u ir e m e n ts o f t h e A c t . T h e C o m m is sio n w as c h a rg e d w it h th e r e s p o n s ib ilit y t o m ake a s s ig n m e n ts o r s p e c if y a re a s o f u n a s sig n m e n t in a l l o f th e la n d a re a o f G e o rg ia w h ic h l i e s b e yo n d c it y l im it b o u n d a rie s .
I n th e 1 0 1 s t r e p o r t o f th e P u b lic S e r v ic e C o m m is sio n f o r th e p e r io d e n d in g J a n u a ry 1 , 1 9 7 4 , o n ly r e fe r e n c e was m ade to th e r u le s , r e g u la t io n s and s p e c if ic a t io n s to a c c o m p lis h t h is jo b .
The G e o rg ia P ow er Company was a s s ig n e d th e t a s k o f p r e p a rin g th e 159 co u n ty maps to r e f le c t th e re o n th e e le c t r ic lin e s o f a l l s u p p lie r s . The j o i n t a p p lic a t io n f o r th e a s s ig n m e n t o f a re a i n th e o n e r e m a in in g c o u n ty , C o lq u it t , (D o ck e t N o. 2927-U ) was a p p ro v e d on May 1 2 , 19 76.
T h e C o m m is sio n is s u e d a n o n -d o c k e t o r d e r on M a rc h 1 1 , 1 9 7 6 , w h ic h t r a n s f e r r e d th e e l e c t r i c s e r v ic e a re a a s s ig n m e n t o f B r a s e lt o n E n t e r p r is e s , I n c o r p o r a t e d t o J a c k s o n E l e c t r i c M e m b e rsh ip C o r p o r a t io n (E M C ). T h e e l e c t r i c d is t r ib u t io n syste m f o r th e C it y o f B ra s e lto n was p u rch a se d by Ja ck s o n EMC.
On D ecem ber 2 2 , 1 9 7 6 , th e G e o rg ia Pow er Com pany f i l e d w ith th e C o m m is sio n an a p p lic a t io n f o r a s s ig n m e n t o f s e r v ic e a r e a i n G ly n n C o u n ty know n a s U n ite d S t a te s N a v a l A ir S t a t io n GLYNCO. T h is a re a was o r g in a lly
shown a s u n a s s ig n e d A re a -B p e r D o ck e t N o. 2 6 8 5 -U , a p p ro v e d on May 1 9 , 1 9 7 5 *
A h e a rin g on t h is a p p lic a t io n was s c h e d u le d f o r F e b ru a ry 1 0 , 1 9 7 7 .
T h e re a re 52 m u n ic ip a lly -o w n e d e le c t r ic d is t r ib u t io n sy ste m s in G e o rg ia . A p p ro x im a te ly 450 c it ie s and tow ns a re s e rv e d b y G e o rg ia Pow er Com pany, 12 b y Savannah E le c t r ic and 110 b y th e E le c t r ic C o o p e ra tiv e s a s p r in c ip a l s u p p lie r s a s s e t f o r t h in th e A c t . O th e r s u p p lie r s h a v in g lin e s and s e rv in g cu sto m e rs w ith in th e c it ie s a re c o n s id e re d se co n d a ry s u p p lie r s . The G e o rg ia P o w e r Com pany h a s s t a r t e d a m a p p in g p ro g ra m w h ic h w i l l p r o v id e th e C o m m is sio n w it h l i n e m aps o f a l l t h e c i t i e s h a v in g s e c o n d a ry s u p p lie r s . These maps w il l be a p p ro ved by th e e le c t r ic s u p p lie r s in each c it y and w il l be used to g u a ra n te e th e c o r r id o r r ig h t s o f each s u p p lie r w ith in th e c it y l i m i t b o u n d a rie s .
G e o rg ia Pow er Company
The G e o rg ia Pow er Company s e rv e s a 5 7 ,0 0 0 s q u a r e -m ile a re a o f th e S t a t e w h ich en co m p asses 153 o f th e S t a t e 's 159 c o u n t ie s . A t th e end o f 1 9 7 6 , th e C o m p a n y 's c u s to m e rs t o t a le d 1 ,1 1 2 ,0 6 3 . I t s r e s i d e n t i a l c u s to m e r s a v e ra g e d u s in g 9 ,8 9 2 k ilo w a t t- h o u r s o f e le c t r ic it y and a v e ra g e d p a y in g 3 .3 1 c e n ts f o r e a c h k i l o w a t t - h o u r o f e l e c t r i c i t y u s e d . T h e m axim um s y s t e m d e m an d f o r e le c t r ic it y in 1976 o c c u re d on J u ly 26 a t 2 :0 0 p .m ., when a p e a k demand o f
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8 ,7 1 9 ,2 0 0 k ilo w a t ts , 3 .2 p e rc e n t above th e 1975 p e a k, was re c o rd e d .
G e o r g ia P o w e r c u s t o m e r s u s e d a r e c o r d 4 1 . 3 b i l l i o n KWH i n 1 9 7 6 - a 6 p e rc e n t in c r e a s e o v e r la s t y e a r. The Com pany in 1976 jo in e d w ith i t s w h o le s a le cu sto m e rs in a g ree m en ts t h a t c a ll f o r th e s e cu sto m e rs to in v e s t $ 1 .1 b i l l i o n o f th e $ 3 .3 b i l li o n needed to b u ild new f a c i l i t i e s betw een 1977 a n d 1 9 8 0 . A s a r e s u l t , c o n s t r u c t io n o f th e C o m p a n y 's 2 .3 m i l li o n - k il o w a t t n u c le a r p la n t , P la n t V o g tle , n e a r A u g u sta h a s been resu m ed , and th e Company can c o n tin u e w ith p la n s to b u ild a g e n e ra tin g sy ste m to p ro v id e cu sto m e rs a r e lia b le s u p p ly o f e le c t r ic it y a t th e m o st e c o n o m ic a l p r ic e .
The f i r s t o f th e j o in t o w n e rs h ip a g re e m e n ts o r ig in a t e d in la t e 1 9 7 4 , v/hen c e r t a in l i c e n s i n g r e q u ir e m e n t s f o r t h e H a tc h N u c le a r P la n t a n d t h e n e e d to re d u c e c o n s t r u c t io n c o s t s r e s u lt e d in n e g o t ia t io n s w ith O g le th o rp e E le c t r ic M e m b e rs h ip C o r p o r a t io n (OEMC) f o r j o i n t o w n e r s h ip o f c e r t a i n g e n e r a t in g f a c i l i t i e s a n d s a le o f c e r t a in t r a n s m is s io n l in e s . OEMC h a d p u rc h a s e d in 1975 a 30 p e r c e n t, u n d iv id e d in t e r e s t in th e H a tch N u c le a r P la n t , a lo n g w ith c e r t a in tra n s m is s io n f a c i l i t i e s f o r $ 3 0 6 .6 m illio n .
D u r in g 1 9 7 6 , OEMC p u rc h a s e d a 30 p e r c e n t u n d iv id e d in t e r e s t i n P la n t W a n s le y , a c o a l- f i r e d f a c i l i t y . P ro c e e d s fro m th e W a n sle y s a le a n d p r o g r e s s p a y m e n ts r e la t e d t o th e W a n sle y a n d H a tc h f a c i l i t i e s am o u n ted t o $ 1 4 1 .6 m i l li o n in 1 9 7 6 . A s a n t ic ip a t e d in 1 9 7 5 , o th e r w h o le s a le cu sto m e rs p ro p o se d to j o in in o w n e rs h ip o f g e n e r a tin g and tra n s m is s io n f a c i l i t i e s . A j o in t o w n e rs h ip a g re e m e n t f o r c o n s t r u c t io n o f b o th 1 ,1 6 0 ,0 0 0 -k w n u c le a r u n it s p la n n e d a t P la n t V o g t le w as s ig n e d l a t e i n A u g u s t, 1 9 7 6 . I t i s a n t ic ip a t e d t h a t OEMC w i l l p u rc h a s e a 30 p e rc e n t u n d iv id e d in t e r e s t in th e p la n t and th e M u n ic ip a l E le c t r ic A u t h o r it y o f G e o rg ia (M EAG ), r e p r e s e n tin g 47 o f th e 50 m u n ic ip a lit ie s w h ic h th e Com pany s e rv e s a t w h o le s a le , w i l l p u rc h a s e a 1 7 .7 p e rc e n t in t e r e s t in b o th P la n t H a tch u n it s . The C it y o f D a lto n i s e x p e c te d to p u rc h a s e 1 .6 p e rc e n t in t e r e s t in P la n t V o g tle . G e o rg ia P o w er w i l l own 5 0 .7 p e rc e n t and w il l be th e c o n s tr u c tio n and o p e ra tio n a g e n t f o r a l l j o in t o w n ers. The Company h a s o f f e r e d t o s e l l OEMC a 30 p e r c e n t i n t e r e s t i n th e f o u r u n it s o f th e p ro p o se d P la n t S c h e re r. O th e r p r o v is io n s o f th e agreem ent c a ll f o r s h a rin g among a l l f o u r p a r t ie s o f re q u ire m e n t f o r c a p it a l, o p e r a t in g and m a in te n a n ce c o s ts r e la t e d to th e in te g r a te d tra n s m is s io n sy ste m s e r v in g m ost o f th e S ta te o f G e o rg ia .
C o n s tru c tio n resum ed in 1976 in th re e pow er p la n t s w here i t had been h a lt e d du e to f in a n c ia l p ro b le m s in 1974 a n d 1 9 7 5 . W ork c o n tin u e d a t U n it 2 o f P la n t H a t c h , th e C o m p a n y 's f i r s t n u c le a r f a c i l i t y , a n d a t P la n t W a n s le y , a c o a l- f i r e d p la n t . T h e f i r s t o f tw o 8 6 5 ,0 0 0 -k w u n it s a t P la n t W a n sle y w as c o m p le te d d u r in g th e y e a r t o t a lin g a c o s t o f $ 2 9 3 .9 m illio n . The s e co n d u n it i s s c h e d u le d f o r o p e ra tio n in 19 78.
A t P la n t H a tc h w o rk w as m ore th a n o n e - t h ir d c o m p le te on th e s e co n d an d f i n a l u n it , r a t e d a t 8 2 0 ,0 0 0 -k w , 1 0 ,0 0 0 -kv/ h ig h e r th a n U n it 1 , w h ic h w ent i n t o s e r v ic e i n l a t e 1 9 7 5 . When t h is u n it i s c o m p le te d , i n 1 9 7 9 , th e p la n t w i l l re p re s e n t an in v e s tm e n t b y th e Com pany and co -o w n e rs o f o v e r $1 b i l l i o n in c lu d in g fu e l.
P la n t V o g tle was a ls o b a c k in c o n s t r u c t io n in May w ith c o m p le tio n o f th e f i r s t 1 ,1 6 0 ,0 0 0 -kw n u c le a r u n it p la n n e d in 1983 and th e se co n d in 1 9 84.
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T o t a l e s tim a te d c o s t o f th e tw o u n it s , w h ich a re lo c a t e d n e a r A u g u s ta , i s $ 2 .1 b i l l i o n . C o m p le t io n o f t h e 3 2 1 ,3 0 0 - k w f a c i l i t y a t W a lla c e Dam i s e x p e cte d in 1980. C o n s tru c tio n had resum ed in Ju n e , 1976.

D u rin g 1976 th e Company in v e s te d $ 4 9 .6 m illio n to a s s u re th a t f a c i l i t i e s o p e ra te w it h in F e d e ra l and S t a t e e n v iro n m e n ta l re q u ire m e n ts . t h is y e a r, 259 m ile s o f tra n s m is s io n lin e s and 472 m ile s o f d is t r ib u t io n w ere b u ilt . T h ir t y - f iv e new s u b s ta tio n s w ere added to th e sy ste m .

A ls o lin e s

Load m anagem ent a c t iv it ie s , f o r th e p u rp o se o f le v e lin g demand o n 'th e g e n e ra tin g s y s te m , re d u c in g fu t u r e c o n s t r u c t io n re q u ire m e n ts and u lt im a t e ly s lo w in g th e r is e in co n su m e rs' e le c t r ic b i l l s , w ere c o n tin u e d in e a rn e s t in 1976. R e se a rch fo cu se d on r e s id e n t ia l c o n s tru c tio n and r e t r o - f it t in g te c h n iq u e s to re d u c e h e a tin g and c o o lin g re q u ire m e n ts b y f i f t y p e r c e n t, p o s it iv e lo a d c o n t r o l an d n o t if ic a t io n sy ste m w h ich n o t if ie s c u s to m e rs o f th e tim e s on and o ff- p e a k e n e rg y i s b e in g consum ed, a s o la r e n e rg y sy s te m t o b e in s t a lle d a t a m a n u fa c tu rin g c o n c e rn in S h en an doah , G e o rg ia , a t e s t in g o f tim e -o f-d a y and dem and r a t e s in th re e G e o rg ia c i t i e s , an d o th e r p r o j e c t s .

T h is C o m m is sio n a p p ro v e d a l l th e r e v is e d R e t a il R a te d e s ig n s w h ic h r e fle c t e d th e r a te in c re a s e g ra n te d in 1975 p e r O rd e r D ocket N o. 2663-U . A t th e sam e tim e th e C o m m is sio n a llo w e d th e Com pany t o u s e a new p r o c e d u r e , F A - 1 , f o r c a lc u la t in g th e m o n th ly f u e l a d ju s tm e n t c h a rg e . The F A -1 p ro c e d u re d e c re a s e s th e tim e la g in f u e l c o s t re c o v e r y b y th e Com pany. The r e v is e d R e t a il R a te S c h e d u le s and F A -1 becam e e f f e c t iv e in M ay, 19 76. In D ecem ber, 1 9 7 6 , th e C o m p a n y 's f u e l a d ju s tm e n t c h a r g e r e a c h e d a r e c o r d h ig h o f 1 .1 4 5 C p e r KWH.

P u rs u a n t to th e C o m m is s io n 's O rd e r in D o c k e t N o. 2 6 6 3 -U , th e G e o rg ia P o w er Com pany f i l e d th re e e x p e rim e n ta l r a t e s c h e d u le s f o r v o lu n ta r y u se by i t s c u s to m e rs i n R e y n o ld s , Bow don, an d D a h lo n e g a . T h is f i l i n g w as a p p ro v e d i n D o c k e t N o . 2 9 3 6 -U on J u n e 1 , 1 9 7 6 . The C o m m is sio n b e g a n m o n it o r in g th e b i l l i n g in fo rm a tio n fro m th e th re e e x p e rim e n ta l r a t e s it e s in J u ly , 1 9 7 6 . I t a p p e a rs th a t b o th th e R e y n o ld s an d Bowdon co n su m e rs a re s h if t in g a s ig n if ic a n t dem and to th e o ff- p e a k h o u rs (1 0 :0 0 p .m . to 1 0 :0 0 a .m .). I t a p p e a rs a t t h is tim e t h a t co n su m e r u n d e r s t a n d in g o f t h e D a h lo n e g a r a t e w i l l be d i f f ic u l t and t h is r a t e w ill n o t be s e r io u s ly c o n s id e re d .

D u rin g 1976 th e C o m m is sio n b e g a n a n a u d it o f th e p r o c e d u re s u s e d by th e S o u th e rn Company S e r v ic e s , I n c . in p re p a rin g th e A llo c a te d C o st o f S e r v ic e S tu d y f o r th e G e o rg ia Pow er Com pany. The A llo c a t e d C o s t o f S e r v ic e S tu d y p ro v id e s a s e p a r a tio n o f th e in v e s tm e n ts , e xp e n se s and re v e n u e s o f th e t o t a l e le c t r ic sy ste m betw een th e v a rio u s c la s s e s o f s e r v ic e o f t o t a l d ir e c t
s e r v ic e and t o t a l a l l o th e r s e r v ic e T o ta l d ir e c t s e r v ic e in c lu d e s th e
r e s id e n t ia l, c o m m e rc ia l, in d u s t r ia l an d s t r e e t an d o u td o o r lig h t in g c la s s e s o f s e r v ic e . The t o t a l o f a l l o th e r s e rv ic e i s th e s e rv ic e to th e Com pany's w h o le s a le c u s to m e r s . O f p a r t ic u l a r in t e r e s t t o th e C o m m is sio n a r e th e lo a d re s e a rc h m ethods u sed to o b ta in a c t u a l dem and o f v a rio u s c la s s e s o f cu sto m e rs a t th e tim e o f sy ste m p e a k and th e s t a t i s t ic a l te c h n iq u e s u se d to d is t r ib u t e th e sa m p le d a ta o v e r th e t o t a l p o p u la t io n o f th e v a r io u s c la s s e s . A ls o th e t o t a l in t e g r a t e d s y s te m lo a d s o f G e o r g ia P o w e r, OEMC a n d MEAG r e q u ir e s a s e p a r a t io n b etw een p a r t ia l re q u ire m e n ts s e r v ic e . T h is a u d it i s e x p e c te d to c o n tin u e th ro u g h m id -1977.

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Savannah E le c t r ic and Pow er Company
Savannah E le c t r ic and Pow er Company s e rv e s m ore th a n 8 0 ,0 0 0 cu sto m e rs in a fiv e - c o u n t y a re a in E a s te rn G e o rg ia , a p p ro x im a te ly 62 m ile s lo n g and 33 m ile s w id e , in c lu d in g th e C it y o f S ava n n a h a n d s e v e r a l o th e r in c o r p o r a t e d tow ns an d m in ic ip a lit ie s . The a re a h a s a p o p u la tio n o f a p p ro x im a te ly 2 1 0 ,0 0 0 w ith 90 p e rc e n t o f th a t p o p u la tio n r e s id in g in Chatham C o u n ty .
T h e Com pany s e r v e d 2,7% m o re c u s to m e r s a t t h e e n d o f 1 9 7 6 th a n a t t h e e n d o f 1 9 7 5 . KWH s a l e s f o r 1 9 7 6 w e r e 2 , 0 5 3 , 5 2 5 , 0 0 0 , e x c e e d in g 1 9 7 5 b y 7 , 0 p e r c e n t . T h e m axim um s y s t e m d e m an d f o r e l e c t r i c i t y o c c u r r e d o n J u l y 2 8 a t 6 : 0 0 p . m . , v/hen a p e a k h o u r dem and o f 4 3 2 ,6 0 0 k i l o w a t t s , 5 .6 p e r c e n t a b o v e 1 9 7 5 , w as r e c o r d e d . T h e a g g r e g a t e g r o s s o p e r a t in g c a p a b i l i t y o f th e C o m p a n y 's g e n e r a t in g p la n t s w as 4 9 4 ,5 0 0 k ilo w a t t s a t t h e t im e o f t h e C o m p a n y 's 1 9 7 6 m axim um s y s t e m d e m a n d .
On S e p te m b e r 9 , th e C o m p a n y 's B o a r d o f D ir e c t o r s a u t h o r iz e d t h e r e t ir e m e n t o f th e C o m p a n y 's tw o o ld e s t g e n e r a t in g u n it s a t i t s R iv e r s id e P l a n t , le a v in g th e g ro s s o p e ra tin g c a p a b ilit y a t 4 7 2 ,0 0 0 k ilo w a t t s .
On A u g u s t 2 c o n s t r u c t io n w as re su m e d o n t h e C o m p a n y 's 1 7 5 ,0 0 0 k ilo w a t t g e n e r a tin g u n it i n E ffin g h a m C o u n ty . T h is u n it i s e x p e c te d t o b e c o m p le te d i n t h e S p r in g o f 1 9 7 9 a n d t o b e a v a i l a b l e i n t im e f o r t h e m axim um s y s t e m d e m a n d . P r e s e n t g e n e r a t in g c a p a c i t y i s e x p e c t e d t o b e a d e q u a t e t o m e e t t h e m axim um demand th ro u g h 1 9 7 7 , a lth o u g h th e sy ste m r e s e rv e i s now o n ly 9 p e rc e n t when c o m p a re d t o t h e 1 9 7 6 m axim um s y s t e m d e m a n d .
R e s id e n t ia l cu sto m e rs t o t a le d 7 1 ,7 2 9 a t th e end o f 1 9 7 6 , an in c re a s e o f 2 .7 p e rc e n t from th e end o f 1975. A v e ra g e a n n u a l u se b y r e s id e n t ia l cu sto m ers d e creased by 0 .2 p e rc e n t to 9894 k ilo w a tt h o u rs. The a ve rag e c o s t p e r KWH f o r r e s i d e n t i a l c u s t o m e r s w a s 3 . 9 4 c e n t s i n 1 9 7 6 c o m p a re d t o 3 . 6 1 ce n ts in 1975.
In Ju n e th e Company le t a c o n tr a c t f o r e n g in e e rin g , d e s ig n and c o n s t r u c tio n m anagem ent o f p o llu t io n ab atem en t f a c i l i t i e s a t i t s P o r t W entw orth g e n e r a tin g s t a t io n w h ic h , when c o m p le te d , w i l l a llo w th e b u rn in g o f c o a l a t t h a t f a c i l i t y . T h is p r o je c t i s e x p e c te d t o b e c o m p le te d b y th e en d o f 1978 a n d w i l l r e d u c e b o th o v e r a l l f u e l c o s t s a n d th e C o m p a n y 's d e p e n d e n c e o n f o r e ig n o il
T h e Com pany a n d t h is C o m m issio n h a v e m ade a s i g n if i c a n t e f f o r t t o o b ta in p e rm is s io n to b u rn c o a l p r io r to th e c o m p le tio n o f th e c o n s t r u c t io n o f th e p o llu t io n abatem ent f a c i l i t i e s . T h is e f f o r t c u lm in a te d in a h e a rin g in w h ic h th e C o m m is sio n w as a p e t i t i o n e r , b e f o r e th e R e g io n a l D ir e c t o r o f th e E n v iro n m e n ta l P r o t e c t io n A g e n cy an d o th e r F e d e r a l and S t a t e o f f i c i a l s in J u n e . A s a r e s u lt o f t h is h e a r in g , th e Company i s s t i l l p r o h ib it e d fro m th e b u rn in g o f c o a l u n t il th e p o llu t io n c o n tr o l f a c i l i t i e s a re in s e r v ic e . T h is d e c is io n , a lo n g w it h a F e d e r a l P o w e r C o m m is sio n d ir e c t iv e s e v e r ly c u r t a i li n g t h e a v a ila b i l i t y o f n a t u r a l g a s a s a f u e l, h a s r e s u lt e d in an a lm o s t t o t a l dep en d en ce on im p o r te d o i l . T h e f u e l a d ju s tm e n t c h a r g e re a c h e d a r e c o r d h ig h o f 1.640<: p e r KWH i n M a r c h 1 9 7 6 .
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UTILITIES

FINANCIAL

ANALYSIS

DIVISION

INTRODUCTION

The function of the Utilities Financial Analysis is to provide the Commission with professional and technical service in order that responsibilities to the public as required by law can be met. A competent technical, professional and administrative staff performs specific functions in the rate, auditing and accounting departments, in order to carry out the duties assigned to it by the Commission.

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE DIVISION

The Audit and Financial Staff has the responsibility of receiving, docketing, and examining all rate and security applications. Numerous exhibits and large volumes of testimony must be analyzed as well as cross-examining witnesses for the purpose of bringing out the facts in each case, thus enabling the Commission to reach a fair and equitable decision. This section must also audit all monthly, quarterly and annual reports filed by the utility companies.

While the total number of cases declined in 1976, the number of cases filed by large major companies has increased. This section also started an audit, an on going cost of service study, at Georgia Power Company.

ACTIVITIES

The Commission issued a total of 61 Orders for this division after formal proceedings during the year 1976 involving utility companies. The Orders entailed certificates, rate adjustments and the issuance of securities relating to capital subject to the jurisdiction of this Commission.

At the close of the calendar year, 1976, there were under the juris diction of this Commission the following number of public utilities:

Electric

2

Natural Gas

4

*Telephone

43

Radio Common Carriers 26

Telegraph

2

*Includes 4 Cooperatives

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APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW MONEY

Non-Docket January 6, 1976

Application of Okefenoke Rural Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $1,397,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $155,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate Note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Docket No, 2917-U January 20, 1976

Application of Gas Light Company of Columbus to issue $600,000 principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds, 10-1/4% series due 1980.

Docket No. 2920-U February 17, 1976

Application of Continental Telephone Company of the South for authority to issue $3,000,000 of 10% First Mortgage Bonds, due March 31, 1996, 10,000 Shares of 10-1/8% Cumulative Preferred Stock, at a price of $100 per share, and 59,000 Shares of Common Voting Stock at a price of $100 per share.

Non-Docket February 17, 1976

Application of Habersham Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $836,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $357,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Coopera tive Finance Corporation with a separate Note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Docket No. 2892-U April 6, 1976

Application of Citizens Telephone Company, Inc., for authority to borrow $3,049,000 from REA, bearing interest at the rate of 5.0% per annum.

Docket No. 2926-U April 6, 1976

Application of Bulloch County Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc., for authority to borrow $2,000,000 from the Rural Electric and Telephone Revolv ing Fund at the rate of 2.0% per annum.

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APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW MONEY

Non-Docket April 6, 1976

Application of Carroll Electric Member ship Corporation for approval of Notes of $748,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Ad ministration and of $320,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Non-Docket May 12, 1976

Application of Slash Pine Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $530,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $227,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Non-Docket May 12, 1976

Application of Ocmulgee Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $242,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $103,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate Note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Docket No. 2932-U May 12, 1976

Application of Georgia Power Company for authority to issue and sell up to $100,000,000 principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds and deliver up to $18,874,000 principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds for Sinking Fund purposes.

Docket No. 2937-U June 1, 1975

Application of Georgia Power Company for authority to issue and sell up to $50,000,000 principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds and to issue and sell up to 2,000,000 shares of Class A Preferred Stock.

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APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW HONEY

Non-Docket June 1, 1976

Application of Standard Telephone Company to increase previously approved loan from Big Canoe, Inc., by the additional amount of $58,000.

Non-Docket June 1, 1976

Application of Coastal Electric Member ship Corporation for approval of notes of $440,000 to be executed in the favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Admin istration and of $110,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Non-Docket June 1, 1976

Application of Planters Electric Member ship Corporation for approval of notes of $613,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America acting through the Rural Electrification Administrt ion.

Docket No. 2935-U July 6, 1976 Non-Docket July 6, 1976
Non-Docket July 20, 1976

Application of Coastal Utilities, Inc., for authority to borrow $4,935,000 from the Rural Telephone Bank at the rate of 7-1/2% per annum for a period of 35 years.
Application of Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $796,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Admin istration and of $341,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.
Application of Cobb County Rural Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $2,681,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $1,149,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage

33-

APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW MONEY

Non-Docket July 20, 1976

Application of Washington Electric Membership Corporation for approval of Notes of $914,000 to be executed in the favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Administration and of $390,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Docket No. 2946 ~U July 20, 1976

Application of Progressive Rural Telephone Co-op., Inc., for authority to borrow $475,000 from REA, bearing interest at the rate of 2.0% per annum for 35 years.

Non-Docket August 3, 1976

Application of Colquitt County Rural Electric Company for approval of Notes of $960,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Ad ministration and of $410,000 to be executed in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Non-Docket August 17, 1976

Application of Haywood Electric Member ship Corporation for approval of notes of $572,000 to be executed in favor of the United States of America, acting through the Rural Electrification Ad ministration and of $245,000 to be exe cuted in favor of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora tion with a separate note to each of said lenders to be secured by a common mortgage.

Non-Docket August 17, 1976

Application of Standard Telephone Company, Inc., for authority to sell the land and building associated with the Demorest Exchange to the City of Demorest for the amount of $6,000.

Non-Docket August 17, 1976

Application of Phenix Communications Company of Georgia, Inc., and of Reginald R. Cain, Jr., and Evelyn S. Cain for authori ty to acquire 100% of capital stocks of Phenix Communications Company of Georgia, Inc.
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APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW MONEY

Docket No. 2953-U August 17, 1976
Docket No. 2957-U October 5, 1976
Docket No. 2958-U October 5, 1976

Application of Georgia Power Company for authority to guarantee $12,000,000 obligation of Harlan County Land Company and Fuel Adjustment Clause Accounting Ruling.
Application of Standard Telephone Company to borrow $1,851,000 from the Rural Electrification Administration and $5,150,250 from the Rural Telephone Bank.
Application of Georgia Power Company for authority to issue and deliver up to $120,000,000 principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds to secure Revenue Bonds of the Development Authorities of Putnam, Appling, Heard and Coweta Counties, Georgia to be issued in order to finance air and water pollution control facilities.

Docket No. 2961-U October 5, 1976

Application of Savannah Electric and Power Company for authority to issue up to $20,000,000 Principal Amount of Term Notes.

Docket No. 2952-U November 24, 1976

Application of Public Service Telephone Company to borrow $1,850,000 from REA, U. S. Department of Agriculture, at the rate of 5.0% per annum for a period of 35 years.

Docket No. 2970-U December 7, 1976

Application of United Cities Gas Company for an order authorizing the issuance and sale to its employees of an additional 25,000 shares of its Common Stock of the par value of $3.33-1/3 per share pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Amendment to its Employees' Stock Pur chase Plan.

Docket No. 2951-U December 7, 1976

Application of Plant Telephone & Power Company, Inc., for authority to borrow $2,000,000 from the Rural Electrification Administration at the rate of 5.0% per annum for a period of 35 years.

Docket No. 2971-U December 21, 1976

Application of Wilkinson County Telephone Company, Inc., for authority to borrow $960,000 from REA at 5% per annum for a period of 35 years.

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APPLICATIONS FOR AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SECURITIES OR BORROW MONEY

Non-Docket December 21, 1976

Application of The Rayle Electric Member

ship Corporation for approval of Notes

of $398,000 to be executed in favor of

the United States of America, acting

through the Rural Electrification Ad

ministration and of $170,000 to be

executed in favor of the National Rural

Utilities Cooperative Finance Corpora-

I

tion with a separate note to each of said

lenders to be secured by a common

mortgage.

RATE ADJUSTMENT PROCEEDINGS

Docket No. 2897-U January 20, 1976
Docket No. 2918 February 3, 1976

Application for an adjustment in Schedules of rates and charges for the intrastate service furnished by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in Georgia.
Application of Wilkinson County Telephone Company for authority to increase its rates for telephone service.

Docket No. 2897-U March 11, 1976 First Supplemental Order

Application for an adjustment in the schedules of rates and charges for the intrastate service furnished by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in Georgia. Petition for Re consideration by Consumers' Utility Counsel and Petition for Reconsideration by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company.

Docket No. 2893-U April 6, 1976

Application of Citizens Telephone Company, Inc., for authority to make an adjust ment in rates for local telephone service.

Docket No. 2918-U April 20, 1976

Application of Wilkinson County Tele phone Company, Inc., for authority to increase local telephone service rates.

Docket No. 2939-U June 14, 1976

Application of Bulloch County Rural Tele phone Cooperative, Inc., for authority to increase local service rates for the Brooklet, Portal, Clito and Nevils Exchanges to the one-party flat rate previously approved for the Anderson and Stilson Exchanges.

-36

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Docket No. 2632-U July 20, 1976 First Amendatory Order
Docket No. 2914-U August 3, 1976 Docket No. 2950-U November 24, 1976
Docket No. 2943-U November 24, 1976 Docket No. 2944-U November 24, 1976
Docket No. 2949-U December 7, 1976
Non-Docket April 16, 1976
Non-Docket May 18, 1976
Non-Doclcet May 18, 1976

RATE ADJUSTMENT PROCEEDINGS
Application for an adjustment in the schedules of rates and charges for the intrastate, service furnished by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in Georgia.
Application of Alma Telephone Company, Inc., for authority to increase rates for local exchange service.
Application of Public Service Telephone Company for authority to make various adjustments in rates for local telephone service and for general tariff items.
Application of Atlanta Gas Light Company for authority to increase rates for gas service.
Application for an adjustment in the schedules of rates and charges for the intrastate service furnished by Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in Georgia.
Application of Plant Telephone and Power Company, Inc., for authority to increase local service charges in the Lenox and Pinehurst Exchanges.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS BY COMMISSION
ALL RADIO UTILITIES - Commission's own motion to make the following addition of Rule 515-10-1-.10s to establish an in terest rate of 6-1/2% per annum to be paid on customer deposits, (this amended by non-docket order issued May 18,1976.)
ALL RADIO UTILITIES - Commission upon its own motion proposes to make the following addition of Rule 515-1Q-1-.10; to establish an interest rate of 6% per annum to be paid on customer deposits.
ALL ELECTRIC AND GAS UTILITY COMPANIES Commission upon its own motion proposes to make the following change in its Rule 515-3-1-.1G, Section (e) to change the interest rate on customer deposits from 5% per annum to 6% per annum.

-37-

Non-Docket July 6 1976
Docket No. 2589-U July 6, 1976
Non-Docket July 6, 1976

MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS BY COMMISSION
Proposal by the Commission on its own motion for promulgation of a new rule to Chapter 515-10-1, entitled ''Radio Utilities," pursuant to Georgia Annotated Code Section 3Arl04-(l) and Commission Rule 515-2-1-.10 and identified as Rule 515-1Q-1-.10 Deposit; Amount; Receipt; Interest.
Application of Radio-Telephone, Inc, to acquire ownership and control of a Radio Utility System in Atlanta, Georgia, said system being operated by Joseph D. Nix, d/b/a Radio Telephone Service.
Wilkes Telephone and Electric Company's request for approval of Extraordinary Retirements totaling $388,944. 54.

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