mo
/Vi
109th Report Of The
Georgia Public Service Commission
R e c e iv e d F E B 01 1983 DOCUMENTS UGA LIBRARIES
January 1,1981
To
January 1,1982

STATE O F GEORGIA
GEORGE D. BUSBEE, GOVERNOR
109th Report of
GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION 244 Washington S t . , S.W. A t la n t a , Georgia 30334
January 1, 1981 to January 1, 1982
Ford B. Spinks, Chairman Mac Barber, Vice Chairman Jim Hammock, Commissioner B i l l y Lovett, Commissioner Robert C. (Bobby) P a ffo r d , Commissioner Hugh S. Jordan, Executive S ecretary

TO
Mr. Ford B. S pinks, Chairman Mr. Mac Barber, Vice Chairman Mr. Jim Hammock, Commissioner Mr. B i l l y L o v e tt, Commissioner Mr. Robert C. (Bobby) P a f f o r d , Commissioner Mr. Hugh S. Jordan, Executive

FROM A d m in is tra tiv e S e rvic e s D i v i s i o n . . . .............* - r ....................................
Director

McMullan,

U tilitie s Division

Beverly B. Know!es, Di r e c t o r

Hartley, T ra nsporta tion Rates and S e rv ic e s D i v i s i o n ........ ................................ Director*

Motor C a r r ie r C e r t i f i c a t i o n and Enforcement D i v i s i o n .....................L- Thomas Doyal , Director

COMPILED BY Eileen Sullivan U tilitie s Division
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INDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL INTRODUCTION GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION EXECUTIVE OFFICES EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION TRANSPORTATION RATES AND SERVICES DIVISION MOTOR CARRIER CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION UTILITIES DIVISION

FORD B. SPINKS, C H A IR M A N MAC BARBER, V IC E C H A IR M A N JIM HAMMOCK BILLY LOVETT ROBERT C.(BOBBY) PAFFORD

d ca rg ra fte M ic lectrice (ijtmoettaatmt
2 4 4 WASHINGTON STREET, S.W. At l a n t a , G e o r g ia 3 0 3 3 4

HUGH S. JORDAN,SECRETARY

The Honorable George D. Busbee Governor o f Georgia
Dear Governor Busbee:
As provided by law, the Georgia P u b lic S e rv ic e Commission submits herewith the 109th Annual Report of the regulatory a c t i v it ie s of the Commission f o r the y e a r ending December 31, 1981
Respectfully submitted

u i n i a m F i f Ri 11 v l Love tt Commissioner 3

109th REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The Annual Report o f the Georgia P u b lic S e rvice Commission covering the a c t i v i t i e s f o r the yea r ending December 31, 1981, is submitted herewith in compliance with law.
The members, o f f i c e r s and personnel of the Commission as of December 31, 1981, were as f o llo w s :
Ford B. S pinks, Chairman Mac Barber, Vice Chairman Jim Hammock, Commissioner B i l l y Lovett, Commissioner Robert C. (Bobby) P a f f o r d , Commissioner Hugh S. Jordan, Executive S ecretary
Division Directors
P h i l l i p E. McMullan, Adm inistrative Services Beverly B. Knowles, U t i l i t i e s D iv is io n Horace F . H a r t le y , Tra n sp o rta tio n Rates and S e rvice s L. Thomas Doyal , Motor C a r r i e r Tra n sp o rta tio n and Enforcement
GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
The P u b lic S e rv ic e Commission i s organized to re gula te i n t r a s t a t e t r a n s p o r t a t io n and the pub!icly-owned gas, e l e c t r i c and communications u t i l i t i e s . It a ls o re gula te s c e r t a in in terstate a c t iv it ie s in cooperation with appropriate Federal agencies. The Commission's fu n c tio n s are in v e s t ig a t o r y and q u a s i - j u d i c i a l , and they in clude issuance of c e r t i f i c a t e s of p u b lic convenience and n e c e s s it y , review and a u d it o f schedules and r a t e s , s afe ty in s p e c t io n s , in v o ic e and records in s p e c t io n , and the handling o f consumer com plaints. The Commission had 125 budgeted p o s it io n s as of J u ly 1, 1981.
During the y e a r the Commission conducted 626 p u b lic hearings. P u b lic hearing commence on the second and fou rth Tuesdays o f each month and continue on su cce ssive days t h e r e a f t e r u n t i l a l l curre nt a p p l ic a t i o n s and p e t i t i o n s have been disposed o f . A l l matters docketed f o r p u b lic hearing are heard by the e n t ir e Commission in open s e s s io n , a m a jo rity o f the. Commission c o n s t it u t in g a quorum.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICES (COMMISSIONERS)
The fu n ctio n o f the executive o f f i c e s i s to determine whether or not to grant rate increases to public u t i l i t i e s under th e ir j u r i s d i c t i o n and to promulgate ru le s governing the o p e ra tio n of regulated companies in p riv a te in d u s tr y .
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Subject to the d ire ctio n of the Commission, the Executive Se cre tary acts as S ecretary o f the Commission with r e s p o n s i b i l i t y fo r recording a ll appearances at pu blic hearings of the Commission; provides on-the-spot legal aid and c o u n s e l, m aintaining a l l books, f i l e s and records o f the Commission; p rep ares, or review s, and c o -sig n s with Chairman a l l Commission orders and vouchers of the Commission; legal r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r recording a l l Commission d e c is io n s in the O f f i c i a l Book o f Minutes; c e r t i f y i n g to copies o f Commission documents and re co rd s; handling a d m in is t r a t iv e d e t a i l s o f o f f i c e management, in c lu d in g routin g o f Commission correspondence to proper department heads and in d iv id u a l Com m is s io n e rs ; re c e iv e s and routes to a l l department heads a p p l i c a t i o n s , p e t it io n s and complaints f o r d i s p o s i t i o n as d ir e c t e d by the Chairman o r the Commission; i s re s p o n s ib le f o r m aintaining m ailin g l i s t s and p u b lic a t io n s o f a l l matters assigned f o r p u b lic hearing before the Commission under d i r e c t i o n o f the Chairman or the Commi s s i o n .
Subject to the d ire ctio n of the Commission, the Executive S ecretary acts as C h ie f S t a f f O f f i c e r o f the Georgia P u b lic S e rv ic e Commission with r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r d i r e c t i o n and c o ordination of the a c t iv it ie s of the Commission's s t a f f in accordance with the p o l i c i e s e s ta b lis h e d by the Commission f o r the regulation of those industries under i t s ju r is d ic t io n ; d irects a ll adm inistrative support functions required fo r e ffectiv e opera t io n o f U t i l i t i e s and Tra n sp o rta tio n D i v i s i o n s ; and i s in charge o f a l l Commission personnel and preparation o f the budget o f the Commission.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
Function
Provide s ta ff support functions of accounting, procurement, personnel s e r v i c e s , and budget preparation and a d m in is t r a t io n .
- Record p u b lic hearing as required
- Receive and process consumer complaints*
- Compi1e and e d i t Agency Energy Conservation P l a n .
* The Consumer S e rv ic e s Section handled approximately 8,539 telephoned complaints and 300 w ritt e n complaints during 1981.
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TRANSPORTATION RATES AND SERVICES DIVISION
During 1981 the Commission and its Transportation Rates and Services staff officially disposed of 51 formal proceedings involving transportation rates and services matters, a considerable number of which required lengthy studies and investigations in the field. Included in these formal proceedings, 18 Rule Nisis were issued resulting in fines in excess of $5,000. The Commission has disposed of a vast amount of business for the year just ended, and covering almost every phase of the service. The scope of the work intrusted to the Commission and its staff is constantly broadening and increasing until it requires prompt action and unremitting attention to keep up with the details of the work in this office, to say nothing of the weightier matters pressing for solution and determination. No decision of the Commission involving this division during the past year has been held up by injunction from the courts, or otherwise. It is gratifying to report that most parties involved in formal proceedings have accepted the decisions of the Commission as final, and what is better, as fair.
MOBILE RAIL AGENCY SERVICE
At the close of calendar year 1981, there were 37 mobile agency operations in existence within the State of Georgia. During the year, inspections were made on 12 of the mobile agency operations by personnel from the Transportation Rates and Services Division to determine if service to the shipping and receiving public was being satisfactorily rendered.
The mobile agency concept of providing service to stations under which one agent can perform the needed service at a savings to the railroad while adequately handling the needs of the shipping and receiving public at involved points continues to be operated with success.
TRUCK RATES AND SERVICES
During 1981 over 3,000 proposals were received by this division and handled informally. Generally speaking, these proposals involved increases that were necessary due to the rapid increase in fuel and .'Labor costs. The Commission in each case required the involved carriers to support all revisions in rates by proper and adequate justification, generally with cost data.
Due to the complexity of the rate scales now being proposed by carriers, it will be necessary that in the immediate future this Commission avail itself of computer services and cost oriented staff.
BUS FARES AND CHARGES
On May 14, 1981, a hearing was' held on the application of Atlanta Limousine Aii port Service seeking to amend il 1 one-way and round-t r ip fares published

in Items 65 through 160 in their Tar I d CPSC-Ml' No. 5. In view of the justification, evidence and testimony presented at the hearing, the Commission approved this application.
On May 14, 1981, a hearing was held on the application of North Georgia B"S Lines, Inc. seeking authority to amend rates in Item 70, 75 and 80 of their Tariff GPSC-MP No. 5. The Commission, after hearing the evidence and testimony, approved this application.
On May 21, 1981, the Commission approved request of Air Travel Transportation, Inc., d/b/a Atlanta Airport Shuttle, to increase their fares and charges on passenger service. However, due to the amount of increase proposed, the Commission denied their request to allow rates to go in on less than statutory notice.
The City of Augusta Transit System filed an application to increase their Passenger and Charter Coach rates effective June 8, 1981. The Commission approved said rates.
Modnar Corporation filed an application to increase rates on Commuter fares. The Commission suspended these rates and set matter down for hearing on Docket 10403-M, held July 30th, 1981. After due consideration of the exhibits, testimony and evidence presented, the Commission voted to deny the application without prejudice.
On July 30, 1981 a hearing was held on the application of Trailways Tennessee Lines, Inc. to cancel Local Commutation Tariff No. 1102--F, Ga.P.S.C. No. 113. After considering the exhibits, testimony and evidence presented, the Commission voted to deny this application without prejudice as to the refiling of commuter fares in similar format and on same basis as Greyhound.
On September 11, 1981, Trailways Tennessee Lines, Inc. petitioned the Commission for rehearing, reconsideration and oral argument in connection with Docket 10404-M, (Cancellation of Local Commutation Tariff 1102-F, Ga.P.S.C. No. 113). The matter was previously heard on July 30, 1981. After considering the petition for reconsideration, the Commission voted to deny same*
National Bus Traffic Association, Inc. filed application on behalf of various Class "A" carriers to increase Georgia intrastate, local and interline intercity passenger fares, express rates and charter coach charges. The increased rates were originally suspended and public hearing was held on September 24, 1981. The applicants presented evidence to support their application. Several protestants appeared to express their opposition. After careful.; consideration of all the testimony and evidence presented in connection with Docket 10491-M, the Commission approved said increases.
Trailways Tamiami, Inc. and Service Coach Lines, Inc. filed applications to eliminate commuter fares. The applications were suspended due to numerous protests and were set down for hearing under Docket 10493-M and Docket 10494-M, which were held concurrently with Docket 10491-M, on September 24, 1981. After consideration of the exhibits, testimony and evidence presented in connection with Docket 10493-M and Docket 10494-M, the Commission did nor. feel the evidence presented justified the elimination of Commuter Fares. Therefore, they voted
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to deny said applications without prejudice and directed Trailways Tamiarai, Inc. and Service Coach Lines to refile commuter Lares in similar format and on same basis as Greyhound Lines, Inc.
In October, 1981, Trailways, Inc. requested authority to eliminate Special Charter Coach rates for the movement of school children as published in the National Bus Traffic Association Florida-Georgia Charter Coach Tariff No. Ga.P.S.C. 215. Such provisions were suspended and public hearing was held. The applicant presented evidence to support their request and there was no opposition to the application. Therefore, after due consideration of the testimony, the Commission voted to vacate suspension of the matter and allow the elimination of these rates.
Several intrastate carriers filed proposals to adjust their scheduled operation. Over 30 Press Releases were prepared and mailed to news media and city officials in the areas affected by the proposed schedule changes. Due to protests received, some requests were withdrawn. Some went to public hearing; however, the majority of adjustments were approved.
RAILROAD FREIGHT RATES AND CHARGES
Application was filed by the Central of Georgia Railroad Company requesting authority to institute condemnation proceedings for certain property located in Lee County, Georgia. The matter was assigned Dockets 806-R and 808-R. The Commission in Administrative Session on October 6, 1981 voted not to take action at the present time and to request the applicant to submit a comprehensive study of alternative sites for the proposed switching yard. This matter is still pending before the Commission.
Application was filed on behalf of Macon Terminal Company requesting authority for the dissolution of Macon Terminal Company by surrendering its franchise to the State of Georgia. The matter was assigned Docket 807-R and set for hearing on July 30, 1981. After consideraiton of the exhibits, testimony and evidence presented, the Commission in Administrative Session on September 1, 1981 voted unanimously to approve the application.
The Commission initiated proceedings to determine the adequacy of rail passenger service being rendered by the Georgia Railroad. The purpose was to inquire into the standard of performance being applied by the railroad to determine if the resulting passenger service was adequate to meet the public. The matter was assigned Docket 801--R and set for hearing on November 7, 1980. After consideration of the evidence and testimony presented in this proceeding, the Commission decided on July 29, 1981 that the following requirements must be observed:
(1) Passenger cars must be kpt clean with seats, windows, lighting systems and other equipment in good repair and proper working condition; (2) accommodations such as drinking water and restrooms furnished with soap, towels and running water must be provided and properly maintained; (3) passenger cars must be equipped with operable climate conditioning equipment so that reasonable comfortable temperatures will be maintained in passenger compartments
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appropriate to the seasoni (A) placaids must be posted in conspicuous locations in each passenger car and station notifying passengers of the effects of slack action on the train and precautions which they should take for their personal safety; (5) alternate service must be provided to transport passengers to their destinations when a train run is terminated en route, and placards must be posted in conspicuous locations in each passenger car atid station notifying passengers of the service that will be provided in the event of a terminated run; (6) telephone directories for passenger stations served must contain the phone numbers where passenger train schedules and reservation information may be obtained; (7) passenger train schedules must be published and posted in all stations, must reasonably reflect the actual departure and arrival times and be adhered to as closely as conditions will permit, and (8) station facilities that are clean and reasonably comfortable must be maintained. All stations during times when passengers are expected to arrive or depart must be adequately lighted and must be staffed for a sufficient period of time before departure or arrival of a train to permit their safe utilization by passengers.
Docket 805-R, Olin Corporation, Complainant, vs. St. Marys Railroad Company, et a l ., Defendants, and Docket 804-R, Linden Chemicals and Plastics, Inc., Complainant, vs. St. Marys Railroad Company, et al ., Defendants were assigned for hearing on May 14, 1981, however, the hearing was postponed. The Commission considered the motion filed jointly by each complainant to hold the above proceedings in obeyancc pending final disposition of Lwo related cases currently before the Interstate Commerce Commission. The Commission approved holding the two above complaints in obeyance on May 5, 1981. This matter is still pending before the Commission.
Application filed on behalf of Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company for authority to retire the team track and discontinue the non-agency station at Hiram, Georgia. Since no protests were received after proper notification was posted, the Commission approved the application on December .15, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove two sidetracks in Barnesville, Georgia# Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application as filed on November 3, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove and retire a spur track at Macon, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on November 3, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove and retire a spur track at Lorane, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on November 3, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Southern Railway Company for authority to dispose of the depot building at Pavo, Georgia. Due to no protests being received, the Commission approved the application on November 3, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Southern Railway Company for authority to retire and remove the depot at Scotland, Georgia. Due to no protests being received, the Commission approved the application on November 3, 1981.
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Application filed on behalf of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company for authority to abandon Team Track No. 1, located at Bower, Georgia, and to amend the Open and Prepay Station List to. remove Bower as a non-agency station. Since no protests were received after proper notification was posted, the Commission approved the application on October 6, 1981.
Application dated October 31, 1980 requesting authority on behalf of the Georgia Northern Railroad Company to serve the agency at Pavo, Georgia by a mobile agent operating out of Moultrie, Georgia. The Commission concluded that the railroad agency service is adequate to the needs of the public at Pavo, Georgia and the Commission voted unanimously to allow this mobile agency to be continued (was on 6-raonth trial basis) on a permanent basis on October 6, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Georgia Southern and Florida Railway Company seeking authority to remove and dispose of the unused depot building at Unadilla, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper notification was posted, the Commission approved the application on September 1, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Southern Railway Company for authority to retire and remove Tracks Nos. 1 and 2 in Doraville, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper notification was posted, the Commission approved the application on September 1, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove Echeconnee, Georgia from Leland*s Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on June 16, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Southern Railway Company for authority to remove Wilson, Valley View, Hartley, Grogan and Gaillard, Georgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on June 16, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to discontinue the agency station, dismantle the station building and substitute a prepay station for handling carload freight only at East Warrenton, Georgia, Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on June 16, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of Central of Georgia Railroad for authority to remove Ida Vesper from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on June 2, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company to remove Rermuda, Georgia from Lelaiul's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received alter proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on May 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Georgia Southern and Florida Railway Company for authority to remove Mefrose, Dasher, Inaha and Dakota, Georgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on May 5,. 1981.
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Application filed by Southern Railway System seeking authority to permit the contract Tariff GPSC-Sou-C-001 between Central of Georgia Railroad Company and Southern Railroad Company and Georgia Kraft Company covering shipments of pulpwood and woodchips from Greenville, Georgia to Mead & Krannart, Georgia to become effective April 28, 1981. The Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application No. S-1520 filed by Southern Freight Tariff Bureau seeking authority to amend Section 6, Items Series 26300 of Tariff SFA 8156-C. The Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application No. 1519 filed by Southern Freight Tariff Bureau requesting authority to reinstate on short notice the rate of $366.67 per car at the Ex Parte 375 level, applying on paving or building sand, from Junction City, Georgia to Ormewood Station, Georgia subject to the same route, commodity description and other provisions provided in connection with expired rate published in Item 6460-Q of Supplement 161, subject to an expiration date 60 days from the effective date of reinstatement. The Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Southern Railroad Company for authority to remove Suomi, Empire and Reids, Georgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove Harts, Georgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove Bancroft, Georgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove or otherwise dispose of the depot building at Perry, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad for authority to make refunds and waive undercharges to the extent the legal charges assessed on the 344 carloads exceed charges resulting from application of rates in SCL Tariffs 9035 and 9037. The Commission approved the application on April 21, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Southern Railway Company for authority to remove and retire Industrial Track No. 279-S in Cochran, Georgia. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on March 19, 1981.
Application No. S-1517 requesting authority to amend Item 130000 to SFA lariff 6201-G by adding SCL Station 5861, Lavely, Georgia, as a new station. The Commission approved the application on February 17, 1981.
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Application No. S-1516 filed by Southern Freight Tariff Bureau requesting authority to include Colonel's Island Railroad Company as a participating carrier in the required tariffs. The Commission approved the application on February 17, 1981.
Application Np. S-1515 filed by Southern Freight Tariff Bureau requesting authority to amend Item 6468 of SFA Tariff 4309 by extending the expiration date shown in connection with the above item. The Commission approved the application on February 17, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company for authority to change status of Track No. 2703 from team track to private side track and to reclassify Bonnyman, Georgia as a private siding, non-agency station, Class "Pc" . Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on February 17, 1981.
Petition filed on behalf of Southern Railway requesting permission to eliminate the requirement to file annual reports for the subsidiary Class III lines and the annual reports of lessor lines operating in the State of Georgia. The Commission approved the petition on February 17, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company to close the agency at Hapeville, Georgia and to remove or otherwise dispose of the depot building. The Commission approved the application as filed on February 3, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to remove Forrester, N.eyami, Wire Bridge, Morris and Springvale from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. The Commission approved the application on January 20, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company for authority to add the non-agency points of Herndon, Rocky Ford, Dover, Clito, Jimps, Register, Pulseki and Bartow to the Millen, Georgia Mobile Agency. The Commission approved the application on January 20, 1981.
Application filed on behalf of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company to remove Cameron, Rogers, Almira, Pine Tree, Schildberg, Adgateville and Seymour, Ceorgia from Leland's Open and Prepay Tariff. Due to no protests being received after proper posting of notice, the Commission approved the application on January 6, 1981.
Reference Commission's Order dated December 16, 1980, File 6-764, TD 80-396 suspending various rates to Tariff SFA 2011-P and to Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company - Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Company Tariff 9365-A. Due to no protests being withdrawn, the Commission on January 6, 1981 vacated such matter under suspension and will allow publication on 5 days notice.
Petition filed by Southern Railway System dated December 12, 1980 requesting that matter under suspension in Item 6292 of Supplement 21 to Tariff SFA 4496-A to be vacated. The Commission voted on January 6, 1981 to allow the above suspended rates to be vacated on five days notice to the Commission and to the pub11c .
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Petition filed by Southern Railway System on December 12, 1980 requesting that the Commission vacate suspended matter applying on clay, etc. as published in Supplement 71 to.Southern Freight Tariff Bureau Tariff SFA 4315. The Commission voted on January 6, 1981 to allow the above suspended rates to be vacated on 5 days notice.
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MOTOR CARRIER CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

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The Georgia Public Service Commission has the responsibility of ensuring to the public a viable transportation system to satisfy their needs as shippers and receivers of ireight; to maintain a healthy bus transportation system for the convenience of the traveling public; to provide protection to the public by requiring all motor carriers under its jurisdiction to retain on file with the Commission evidence of bodily injury and property damage and cargo insurance coverage in at least the minimum amounts prescribed by the Commission, and to provide protection to the public by requiring carriers to maintain their vehicles in accordance with the Commission's vehicle safety standards.
The Certification and Enforcement Division is responsible for receiving and processing all motor carrier applications for Certificates of Public Conven ience and Necessity; all applications to register interstate operating authority in Georgia; maintaining the Commission's 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 I transportation. Page 19 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 I a Chief Enforcement Officer, two Area Supervisors and fourteen Enforcement Officers!
All applications for certificates are handled by the certification section of the Division whose responsibility it is to insure that applications are properly! and accurately completed; that terminology contained therein coincides with authority applicant is seeking; that all vague and ambiguous terms are clarified or deleted; that applicant understands what responsibility he must assume in presenting his ca e before the Commission; and to assist the applicant wherever
possible. *Official Commission actions for 1981 involving the Certification and
Enforcement Division are shown on page 19.

Members of the staff attend all public hearings before the Commission in volving motor carrier operations to lend technical assistance to the Commission when needed. Likewise, members of the staff attend the Commission's administra tive sessions to advise and assist the Commission in reaching its decisions in such cases.
Pursuant to the Commission's decisions in Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity matters, the certification section notifies the applicant of the Commission's decision, and if favorable, the necessary criteria for becoming qualified for issuance of a certificate. Once the carrier qualifies with the Commission, the certificate is issued, citing the authority granted which becomes the official Order of the Commission.

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The Certification and Enforcement; Division, in addition to the responsi

bility of processing all motor carrier insurance filings (which number over
100,000 per year) and maintaining all motor carrier files (numbering in excess of 20,000), was responsible for processing U ,106 interstate registration of

authority applications and amendments thereto and the issuance of all intra

state and interstate Georgia Public Service Commission motor vehicle registra

tions which resulted in the collection of fees summarized on Page

of this

report.

. k

The Certification and Enforcement Division continued to function under the cooperative agreement between the Public Service Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission in a combined effort to eliminate illegal transportation practices of certain carriers and shippers. In addition, it resumed its coopera tive functions with the Federal Department of Transportation relating to motor carrier vehicle safety under a cooperative agreement between the respective agencies entered into several years prior to transfer of motor carrier vehicle safety inspection functions to the Department of Public Safety.

In 198l the General Assembly under House Bill No. 528 amended Code Chapter 93-3 relating to the Jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the Commission, so as to transfer motor carrier vehicle safety inspection functions from the Depart ment of Public Safety to the Georgia Public Service Commission, and to repeal a certain section of the "Executive Reorganization Act of 1972". This Act became
law on March 16, 1981

The Certification and Enforcement Division immediately set about to arrange retraining of its officers who were previously engaged in motor carrier vehicle safety inspections, and to train newer officers. With assistance of the Federal Department of Transportation our personnel attended an extended safety school. In addition, many of our officers have attended the federal safety school in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and all have attended the Bendix Brake School.

Our officers are highly trained and have developed extensive expertise in the motor carrier vehicle safety inspection field. Since reassuming this responsi
bility in 1981, the enforcement unit conducted 2,068 driver and vehicle safety inspections resulting in 2,153 vehicles and/or drivers being placed "out of
service" in accordance with out of service criteria published in the regulations. Where vehicles are placed out of service by our officers, the vehicle defects must be corrected before the vehicle is allowed to proceed. The person responsible for repairs must sign the inspection form certifying that repairs were made. In all instances, a copy of the inspection report, signed by the driver, is furnished to the driver with instructions to turn it over to the responsible person with his company. The form provides that all defects, other than out of service defects, must be repaired and attested to by a responsible person in the company and returned to the Commission within 15 days of the inspection. If the carrier fails to do this, the Certification and Enforcement Division transmits another copy of the report direct to the company for their action. If the carrier fails to respond to the second notice, the Commission issues a Rule Nisi for the carrier to show cause why the Commission should not assess a civil penalty against it for failure
to comply with the Commission's rules and regulations.

The Commission's enforcement officers are assigned specific territories in^ the state ranging from six counties (Atlanta area) to as many as nineteen counties in the southwest section of the state. They make detailed inspections of the

15

general operations of motor transportation 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 Inter state Commerce Commission, 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; making vehicle safety inspec tions of carriers* vehicles; conducting investigations relating to carriers* service; examination of the carriers' files, books, etc.; interrogation of carriers' personnel and offering advice to the carriers 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, these officers perform other specifically designated assignments related to the functions of the Public Service Commission.
During 1981, a number of concentrated road checks were conducted through out the state, in addition to many other lesser checks made at strategic loca tions. 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 enforce ment officers operate continuously in their assigned territories and continue vigorously to ferret out and eliminate illegal transportation operations; to re move unsafe carrier vehicles from the road, and to call carrier's attention to minor safety deficiencies. 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 circumvent any permanently established check point. Our officers 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 enforcement officers 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 1981 the seventeen Commission enforcement officers performed
thousands of vehicle inspections for operating authority and proper vehicle registration and identification, resulting in detection of 2,U38 violations and
collection of $60,950 in "late" vehicle registration fees where vehicles had not
been properly registered with the Commission by the carriers. In addition, our
enforcement officers were responsible for making 1959 arrests throughout the
state stemming from intrastate or interstate "for-hire" operations in Georgia without proper authority from either the Georgia Public Service Commission or the Interstate Commerce Commission. These cases resulted in bonds totaling
$**85,592 being posted in the counties where arrests were made. 28U warnings
were also issued to carriers operating illegally in Georgia.
A part of our enforcement program is to keep carriers apprised of the driving habits of their drivers. Each officer is responsible for making observation reports of motor carrier vehicles, copies of* which are furnished to the motor carrier as information and appropriate corrective action where deemed necessary. 2,095 observation reports were made in 1981.
16

Our officers are charged with the responsibility of making shipper contacts to determine the level of trucking service being afforded to them. Where reports denote unsatisfactory service, contact is made with the carrier toward remedying the shipper^ complaints.
Through a cooperative agreement with the Georgia Department of Revenue our officers, in addition to their regular duties, reported to^the Revenue Department instances where Georgia based vehicles operating "for-hire were plated with ''private" tags. As a result of our efforts in this area, the Department of Revenue assessed such carriers a total of $112,U53, $77,576 having been collected, and fi fa's for 3^,877 issued.
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 (1*9 U.S.C. Section 302(b)(2)). Georgia was one of the first states to adopt the standards and the Certification and Enforcement Division has actively engaged in assisting other states in effectuating these procedures.
Members of the Certification and Enforcement Division's staff are members of the National Conference of State Transportation Specialists, an organization of staff personnel of Public Service Commission's throughout the United States, who are dedicated to promoting a viable transportation industry and to further the establishment of uniformity of regulations of interstate commerce by the respective states.
17

1981 COMMISSION ACTIONS I
During the year 1981 the following Administrative Session decisions were made by the Commission:

Motor Carrier Certificate applications: Approved......................... Denied........................................... Withdrawn........................................ Dismissed.............. ........... ..............

1 U8 l6
2
.. 1

Total

l67

Certificate transfer applications:1

Approved........ .............. ................

89

Denied................

1

Withdrawn....... ................................

0

Dismissed....................................... . ..0

Total

90

Certificate amendment applications:

Approved...........

102

Denied......................

9

Withdrawn........

................... .

0

Dismissed..................................

0

Total

111

Certificate control through transfer of

capital stock............... .... ........... ..........

8

Total

8

Motor Carrier Emergency Permits.......

38

Total

38

Rules Nisi issued (other thanfor insurance)..... ..... Rules Nisi dismissed (otherthan insurance)...........

Il6
37

Total

153

Certificates cancelled................................ Certificates suspended...... ......................... Certificates reinstated...... .................... ....

Il8
263 9^

Total

1*75

Registration Permits Issued........................... 3,017 \ Registration Permits Amended............... ..........2,U95
Registration Permits Cancelled (Undetermined)........ ...... .

Total

5,512

18

TRANSPORTATION CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
During the year 1981, the Commission conducted five hundred and twentynine public hearings involving the Transportation Certification and Enforce ment Division. Public hearings commence on the second and fourth Tuesdays in each month and continue on successive days thereafter until all current applica tions 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 1981 are as follows :
January 1, 191 to January 1, 192

.00 each (97 - $7,275) $ U7 .U25.OO

Emergency Temporary Authority Application Fees at $50.00 each (38 - $1,900)
Registration Permit Fees at $25*00 each (3,U27 - $85,675) and amendment fees at $5.00 each (679 - $3,395)
Regular License Fees at $5*00 each
(25,099 - $12 5 ,U95) and penalty license fees at $25.00 each (1,075 - $26,875)
Regular Identification Stamp Fees at $5-00 each
(525,753 - $2 ,628,765.00)
Regular Identification Stamp Fees at $10.00 each (1,139 - $11,390)
Penalty Stamp Fees at $25.00 each (1,363 - $3^,075/ Emergency Wire Permits at $8.00 each (2,390 - $19,120) Civil Penalties (7 - $350.00)

$

1 , 900.00

$ 89,070.00

$ 152,370.00

$ 2 ,67U ,230.00

$ 1 9,120.00

$

350.00

$ 2,98U,U65.00
19

UTILITIES DIVISION t . i c ^ . v c rcyuidLiun required or t h is Commission.

yenuniidnce OT tnat s e c t i o n 's s t a tu to ry r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s as funding li m i t a t i o n s al lowed.

ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING SECTION

The new Accounting and A u d itin g Section c o n s is t s o f the present

Accounting and A u d itin g and p o s it io n s in the U t i l i t i e s F in a n c ia l A n a ly s is

D i v is io n . The D i v i s i o n i s supervised by the D i r e c t o r o f Au d itin g and Accounting

and c o n s is t s o f two s e ctio n s with a s e c t io n su p e rv iso r (Audit Manager I) over

each. The primary o b je c t iv e o f the u n it i s the development o f an a u d it and

in v e s t ig a t o r y c a p a b i l i t y to provide the Commission with the information necessary

tu

control and enforce compliance o f Commission re g u la to ry p o l i c i e s .

The D iv is io n e s primary goals are : (2) non -re a ctive f in a n c i a l a u d its o f each

regulated u t i l i t y at le a s t once every two y e a r s , (3) immediate follow -u p a udit

exceptions and annual a u d its o f problem u t i l i t i e s , (4) follow -u p focused opera-

t io n s a u d its o f e l e c t r i c s , and (6) a d m in istra tio n o f o utside a u d its by c o n s u lta n ts .

e Section headed by the D i r e c t o r o f A u d itin g and Accounting (re pla ce s a udit and

accounting fu n c tio n s o f D i r e c t o r o f U t i l i t i e s F in a n c ia l A n a ly s is ) and c o n s is t s o f two s e c t io n s : (1) Prime Energy, and (2) Communications.

The Prime Energy S e c t io n 's primary goals are (1) tim ely a u d its o f each PGA and fue l c ost recovery f i l i n g s , (2) r e a c t iv e a u d its o f a l l energy u t i l i t y ra te and fin a n c e c a se s, (3) n o n -re a c tiv e focused a u d its o f each energy u t i l i t y a n n u a lly . This s e ctio n performed 42 r e a c t iv e a u d its during 1981 and 23 n o n -re a ctive a u d its during 1981 and 23 n o n -re a ctive a u d i t s . The primary o b je c t iv e s o f the u n it are (1) to provide the Commission with information necessary to s u c c e s s f u ll y d e te r mine j u s t and reasonable energy r a t e s , and (2) to provide the Commission with the necessary in formation to implement and enforce re g u la to ry p o l ic y f o r energy companies.

The Communications S e c t io n 's primary goals are ( i ) r e a c tiv e a u d its o f a l l communication ra te and fin a n ce c a se s , (2) n on -re a ctive f i n a n c i a l a u d its o f each Communication company at l e a s t once every two y e a r s , (3) annual a u d its o f "problem companies" and (4) tim e ly fo llow -u p a u d its o f a l l a u d it e xcep tions. The primary o b je c t iv e s o f the u n it are (1) to provide the Commission with inform ation necessary to s u c c e s s f u ll y determine j u s t and reasonable s e r v ic e r a t e s , and (2) to provide the Commission with the necessary in form ation to implement and enforce re g u la to ry p o l ic y f o r Communication companies.

20

STAFF SUPPORT SECTION
The S t a f f Support is respo nsib le f o r the c l e r i c a l support o f the D iv is io n and c o n s is t s o f 7 p o s it io n s c u r r e n t ly re p o rtin g to the O f f i c e S up erv isor. This pools s e c r e t a r ia l and c l e r i c a l p o s it io n s of the D iv is io n in to a central lo c a t io n . This a lso improved the operating e f f i c i e n c y of the D iv is io n by allow ing f o r more e f f e c t i v e use o f personnel and more e f f i c i e n t u t i l i z a t i o n o f the' word processor.
THE UTILITIES FINANCE SECTION
The U t i l i t i e s Finance Section i s the new se ction created by SB-29. This se ction i s supervised by the D ir e c t o r o f Finance and the A s s is t a n t D ir e c t o r o f Finance (according to SB-29), and c o n s is t s o f the fo llo w in g s e ctio n s : F in a n c ia l A n a ly s is and Rate Case Management C onsulta nt; Sepa r a t io n s Cost o f S e rvice Consultant; Rate Design and T a r i f f A n a ly s t ; Fuel Cost Recovery and Forecasting Engineering.
T h is new s e ctio n has r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r va riou s fu n c tio n s p re v io u s ly performed by e it h e r the U t i l i t i e s F in a n c ia l A n a ly s is D i v is io n or the U t i l i t i e s Engineering D i v i s i o n . The re o rg a n iza tio n c a l l e d f o r improved c a p a b i l i t y in these fu n c tio n s plus implementation o f new programs. The prime s ta tu to ry duty of t h i s s e ctio n i s the presentation o f the Commission's s ta ff position during e le c tric u t i l i t y rate proceedings, This section is assigned the r e s p o n s ib ility fo r al 1 u t i l i t y rate cases, The; statutory duties of the section are:
(a) Preparing a budget f o r the s e ctio n f o r submission by the Director to the Director of U t i l i t i e s to secure the necessary appropriations to finance the a c t iv it ie s of the section.
(b) In ve s tig a tin g the rates and a u d itin g the books and records o f any e l e c t r i c u t i l i t y other than tra n s p o rt a t io n u t i l i t i e s , municipal e l e c t r i c systems, and e l e c t r i c membership co rp o ra tio n s when so d ire c t e d by the D ir e c t o r o f U t i l i t i e s .
(c) Appearing in any proceeding to determine ra tes o f an e l e c t r i c u t i l i t y . In such c a p a c it y , the s e c tio n s h a l l :
1) Form an independent e v a lu a tio n concerning whether the e l e c t r i c u t i l i t y ra tes in question are j u s t and reasonable.
2) Present testimony by i t s employees or s p e c i a l l y re taine d experts concerning the e le c t r ic u t i l i t y rates in question.
3) Provide to the Commission a l l te c h n ic a l a s s is t a n c e , data and c a lc u la t io n s concerning the e l e c t r i c u t i l i t y ra tes in question as the Commission may re q u ir e .
4) A s s i s t the Commission in any j u d i c i a l review o f a Commission determination o f the rates o f an e l e c t r i c u t i l i t y *
5) When i t w i l l not i n t e r f e r e with the s e c t i o n 's p a r t i c i p a t i o n in u t i l i t y rate proceedings, perform such other duties re garding any u t i l i t y matter which the D ir e c t o r o f U t i l i t i e s may e s t a b l i s h .
21

T h is o rg a n iza tio n meets these s ta t u t o ry d u tie s by (1) examining separation and cost o f s e r v ic e stu d ie s o f the u t i l i t i e s to determine I f i e<y are reasonable and i f necessary, performing an independent study or proposing adjustments to the proposed s t u d ie s , (2) examining
Pct3matot ar HC? Very f l l i 2gs and i f necessary presenting an independent estimate and f o r e c a s t o f system g e n e ra tio n , u n it fuel c o s t , system s a l e s , system d is p a t c h , and other elements o f fuel cost recovery pro ceeding, (3) examining company f i l i n g s and i f necessary making an independent f o r e c a s t o f revenues, expenses, and ra te base to present in rate c a se s, (4) preparing d e t a ile d fin a n c ia l, fo re c a s t and determining i f proposed fin a n c in g i s the most economical, (5) making an independent determination o f fu tu re fin a n c in g needs, cash flow , e f f e c t s o f bond r a t in g s , coverage and other f i n a n c i a l a n a l y s i s , (6) in sm aller u t i l i t i e s , presenting cost o f c a p it a l testim ony, (7) working with u t i l i t i e s engineering to d eter-
in a n c ia ^ yppact o f a lt e r n a t e system p la n s, (8) managing the ra te case process by coo rd in a tin g with a ttorn ey general s t a f f , CUC and other p a r t i e s , outside e x p e rt s , other u t i l i t i e s d i v i s i o n u n it s and the D ir e c t o r o f U t i l i t i e s ,
9) providing analyses o f proposed ra tes and t a r i f f s in ra te case f i l i n g s , and U U j proposing needed r e v is io n s in ra te s tru c tu re to meet developing needs.
The U t i l i t i e s Finance Section was not o p e ra tiv e as a u n it during t h is time p e rio d ; however, e x is t i n g personnel processed and completed the rate and fina nce cases l i s t e d h e re in .
UTILITIES ENGINEERING SECTION
. r -,Maiy v a n e d telephone re g u la to ry engineering a c t i v i t i e s tra n sp ire d in Calendar Year 1981, ranging from boundary disputes to telephone EAS (Extended Area S e rv ic e ) s tu d ie s to t a r i f f analyses. The telephone engineering s t a f f c o n s is t s o f two e n g in e e rs, a t a r i f f a n a ly s t , and a s e c re t a ry .
The s t a f f handled approximately 375 w ritte n complaints and 365 telephone complaints during the y e a r . There were 65 f i e l d t r i p s or in v e s t ig a t io n s made in connection with various complaints or to perform 15 engineering a u d its . Members o f the telephone engineering s t a f f conducted 7 d e p re c ia tio n s tu d ie s .
This section a lso received 8 a p p lic a tio n s f o r lic e n s e s to use telephone s e r v ic e observing eguipment. One o f these a p p lic a t io n s was approved and a lic e n se is s u e d , 6 were denied and one dism issed. There were 12 l i c e n s e can c e l l a t i o n s issued. The s t a f f performed 97 o f f i c e in sp e c tio n s o f telephone s e rv ic e observing eguipment. Approximately 355 re vise d c e r t i f i c a t e d area maps and general t a r i f f r e v is io n s were received and processed by t h i s s e c t io n .
During the yea r 14 extended area s e r v ic e stu d ie s were analyzed. In a d d i t i o n , postcard surveys were conducted upon 3 more, Chickamauga-RinggoldChattanooga, Chickamauga-Rossville and Covington-Atlanta metro. These surveys led to r e j e c t io n by the s u b sc rib e rs and denial by the Commission.
S e rv ic e g u a l i t y and c e r t i f i c a t i o n fu n c tio n s in each u t i l i t y engineering department are a continuation of our previous r e s p o n s ib ili t ie s to insure that good u t i l i t y s e r v ic e i s being provided to Georgia ra tep ayers. F u rth e r, e n g i neering f i e l d in sp e c tio n s and analyses are conducted to determine compliance with the Commission-approved ru le s and re g u la tio n s governing the issuance o f c e r t i f i c a t e s o f p u b lic convenience and n e c e s s it y a sso cia te d docketed proceedings on r e v is io n s .
22

Gas U t i l i t i e s Engineering
The Gas U t i l i t i e s Engineering Section o f the Georgia P u b lic S e rv ic e Commission continued i t s a c t i v i t y in 1981 o f Natural Gas Safety and U t i l i t i e s with the h ig h lig h t s and trends l i s t e d h e re in .
NATURAL GAS SAFETY
Calendar year 1981 completed the t h ir t e e n t h yea r o f the G ra n t - in - A id C e r t i f i c a t i o n Agreement under the p ro v is io n s o f the Natural Gas P i p e lin e Safety Act o f 1968 f o r the Commission's Gas Safety O f f i c e with the O f f i c e o f P i p e lin e Safety Operation of the United States Department o f Tran sp o rta tio n . During the yea r the Commission continued to re g u la te the fo u r privately-owned natural gas d i s t r i b u t i o n companies operating in the State and tw enty-eight m u n ic ip a lly owned gas systems which have f a c i l i t i e s ou ts id e the boundaries o f the county or counties where the m u n ic ip a lit y i s s it u a t e d . This re g u la tio n c o n s is t s o f a sce rta in in g the compliance o f these gas systems to the p ro v is io n s o f T i t l e 49, Code o f Federal R e g u la tio n s , Parts 191 and 192, "T ra n sp o rta tio n of natural and other gas by p i p e lin e : Minimum Federal Safety Standards". At y e a r ' s end, under the f i f t y percent funding p ro v is io n o f the G r a n t - in - A id Agreement, the Commission was e n t i t l e d to re c e iv e $84,871 in reimbursement from the Federal Government.
At the beginning o f 1981 the Gas Safety O f f i c e was at f u l l s t a f f with one engineer and three Gas Safety Inspe ctors. The s ta t e was d iv id e d in to three re g io n s , North, South and C e n t r a l, with each in s p e c t o r assigned to a re g io n . At y e a r ' s end a combined experience o f more than tw enty-eight man-years in Natural Gas Safety was observed.
Four natural gas explosion s occurred during the yea r in v o lv in g gas d i s t r i b u t io n f a c i l i t i e s under Commission j u r i s d i c t i o n and were in v e s t ig a t e d by Commission personnel from the Gas Safety O f f i c e . One o f the f o u r e x plosion s was caused by surface cracking on a main and f a i l u r e o f the gas company serviceman to in v e s t ig a t e the lo c a tio n o f a leak p re vio u sly reported. The r e s u lt s of t h is explosion caused fo u r personnel i n j u r i e s and extensive property damage to the home and surrounding areas. Two explosions were caused by l o c a l i z e d c o rro s io n o f the s e r v ic e l i n e and property damage in excess o f $85,000.
During 1981 approximately fo u r hundred e ig h t y - e ig h t separate in s p e c tio n s were performed at the c i t i e s and towns throughout the State under the j u r i s d i c t i o n o f t h i s Commission. Approximately two-hundred s ix tee n items of noncompliance were found during these in sp e c tio n s and one-hundred ninety-two o f these had been c o r rected by end of y ea r. The m ajority o f the v i o l a t i o n s were in the process of being clea red as determined during the l a t e s t in sp e c tio n o f the systems. Major items concerning the Minimum Federal Safety Standards which were covered during these inspections include the following: Monitoring of d i s t r i c t regulator station maintenance; determining required c a p a c ity o f pressure r e l i e v i n g and l i m i t i n g s t a t io n equipment; requirements f o r c o rro s io n c o n t r o l ; r e p a ir and recheck of hazardous le a k s ; and an o v e r a ll review o f record-keeping requirements per the Operators' "Operating and Maintenance" p lan s.
Personnel from the Gas Safety O f f i c e continued to a s s i s t the Southern Region o f f i c e of the Federal O ffic e of P ip e lin e Safety Operations in j o in t in spe ctio n s o f several gas f a c i l i t i e s in Georgia. These in spe ctio n s served to inform the Southern Region O f f i c e o f the gas personnel and ope ra ting pro cedures o f the company.
23

F i n a l l y , the fo llo w in g t r a in in g programs were attended by various Gas Safety Personnel during the yea r:
1) Appalachian Underground C orrosion Short Course Held in Morgantown, West V i r g i n i a May, 1981
2) Pi p e lin e ^ F a ilu re I n v e s tig a tio n Techniques, Presented by T ra n s p o rta tio n Safety I n s t i t u t e , Oklahoma C i t y , Oklahoma
3) Georgia Municipal A s s o c ia tio n Meeting, Presented in Callaway Gardens, Georgia
4) J o in in g o f Gas P i p e lin e M a t e r i a l s , Presented by T ra n sp o rta tio n Safety I n s t i t u t e , Oklahoma C i t y , Oklahoma
The Gas Safety S ection expanded to address fu tu re re g u la tory needs of Municipal Systems and Housing A u t h o r i t i e s . This s e ctio n continues in i t s g r a n t - in - a id agreement and c e r t i f i c a t i o n with the Federal O f f i c e of P i p e lin e Safety.
24

TELEPHONE UTILITIES - DECISIONS & ORDERS 1981

DOCKET NO.

SUBJECT

3242-U March 3, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f Waverly H all Telephone Company f o r a u t h o r it y to a d ju st lo c a l s e r v ic e ra te s and c e r t a in t a r iff revisions

3231-U March 27, 1981

Application of Southern Bell Tel & Tel fo r authority to a d ju st the schedules o f ra te s and charges f o r i n t r a s t a t e s e r v ic e in Ga.

3241-U May 5, 1981

A p p lic a tio n o f The Utelw ico, Inc. f o r a u th o rity to a d ju st lo c a l s e r v ic e ra te s and c e r t a i n t a r i f f r e v is io n s

3241-U June 10, 1981

Amendment to a p p l ic a t i o n o f The U te lw ico , Inc. f o r a u t h o r it y to a d ju st lo c a l s e r v ic e ra tes and c e r t a i n t a r if f revisions

3253-U May 21, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f Chickamauga Telephone Corp. f o r a u t h o rit y to make c e r t a i n t a r i f f changes in t h e i r telephone ra tes

3271-U May 26, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f Thomaston Telephone Co. f o r a u t h o r it y to in crea se ra te s and charges f o r i n t r a s t a t e telephone service

3257-U June 16, 1981

Coastal U t i l i t i e s , Inc. - Audit Exceptions

3258-U June 16, 1981

C it i z e n s Telephone Company, Inc. - A u d it Exceptions

3260-U June 16, 1981

Ringgold Telephone Co. - Audit Exceptions

3261-U June 16, 1981

Interstate Telephone Co. - Audit Exceptions

3262-U June 16, 1981

Hawkinsville Telephone Co. - Audit Exceptions

3272-U O ct. 6, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f Thomaston Telephone Co. f o r a u t h o r it y to a d ju st the schedules o f ra t e s and charges f o r i n t r a s t a t e s e r v ic e in GA.

3268-U Oct. 7, 1981

A p p lica tio n o f General Telephone Co. of the Southeast f o r adjustments o f ra t e s and charges f o r telephone service in the state of Georgia

25

TELEPHONE ORDERS AND DECISIONS - 1981 DOCKET NO.
Docket No. 3268-U Oct. 20, 1981
Docket No. 3278-U Oct. 7, 1981

SUBJECT
Amendment to a p p l ic a t i o n o f General Telephone Co. of the Southeast fo r adjustments o f rates and charges f o r telephone s e rv ic e in Georgia
Statesboro Telephone Co. - Audit Exception

Docket No. 3279-U Oct. 7, 1981

Walker County Telephone Co. - Aud it Exception

Docket No. 3231-U March 27, 1981
Non-Docket Oct. 21, 1981

A p plica tio n of Southern Bell Tel & Tel fo r authority to adjust the schedule of rates and charges f o r i n t r a s t a t e s e rv ic e in Georgia
Ringgold Telephone Co. - a d d itio n a l t a r i f f pgs

Docket No. 3297-U Nov. 3, 1981
Non-docket Nov. 3, 1981 Non-docket Nov. 3, 1981 Docket No. 2520-U Sept. 15, 1981
Docket No. 3286-U Dec. 15, 1981
Docket No. 3289-U Dec. 15, 1981
Docket No. 3307-U Dec. 15, 1981
Docket No. 3305- Dec. 15, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f P u b lic S e rvice Telephone Co. f o r a u th o rity to borrow $1,606,500 from Rural Telephone Bank a t i n t e r e s t ra te of 10.75% per annum
Southern Bell Telephone Co. t a r i f f re v is io n s to General Subscriber Services t a r i f f
Camden Telephone Co. t a r i f f r e v is io n to General Subscriber Services T a r i f f
P e titio n of Subscribers in the Covington Exchange requesting Extended Area Service to the Atlanta metro area
A p p lica tio n of Southern Bell fo r authority to a d ju st the schedules o f rates and charges fo r in tra sta te service in Georgia
A p p lic a t io n o f Chickamauga Telephone Co. fo r authority to adjust the schedule of ra te s and charges f o r i n t r a s t a t e s e r v ic e
A p plication of Continental Telephone of the South f o r a u th o rity to increase service connection charges
Continental Telephone Co. of the South request f o r new d e p re c ia tio n rates

26

ELECTRIC SERVICE - DECISIONS & ORDERS

DOCKET NO.

SUBJECT

3220-U Jan. 6, 1981
3244-U Jan. 6 , 1981

App. o f Savannah E l e c t r i c & Power Company (SEPCO) for authority to increase rates for re tail e le c tric service
App. o f SEPCO f o r a u t h o r it y to e n te r in t o a $32,000,000 Revolving C r e d it and Term Loan Agreement with i t s banks and to is s u e note thereunder

3244-U ( F i r s t Supplemental Order) Jan 6-20, 1981

App. o f SEPCO f o r a u t h o r it y to enter a $32,000,000 Revolving C r e d it and Term Loan Agreement with i t s banks and to is s u e notes thereunder

3220-U A p r il 21, 1981

Discharge o f SEPCO and bonding company, Seaboard Surety C o ., from any and a l l other f u r t h e r claim r e s u lt in g from the bond f i l e d with Commission on Dec. 30, 1980

3265-U May 5, 1981

App. o f Ga. Power Co. (GPC) f o r a u t h o rit y to issu e up to $20,226,000 P r i n c ip a l Amount o f F i r s t Mortgage bonds f o r sinking fund purposes

3270-U May 21, 1981

App. o f GPC f o r a u t h o r it y to in crea se rates f o r retail service

3276-U June 16, 1981

App. o f SEPCO f o r a fuel c o s t recovery allowance pursuant to Ga. Code Ann. S ection 93-307.2

3277-U June 16, 1981

3256-U 3269-U 3272-U July 9,

1981

App. o f SEPCO to is s u e up to $15,000,000 p r i n c ip a l amount o f f i r s t mortgage bonds
A u th o riz a tio n by Commission f o r a l l e l e c t r i c and gas companies to charge $15 per a u d it f o r a l l energy a u d its performed by the companies

3281-U J u ly 21, 1981

App. o f GPC f o r a fuel c ost recovery allowance pursuant to Ga. Code Ann. Section 93-307.2

3290-U J u ly 23, 1981

App. o f SEPCO to issu e up to 750,000 shares o f $5 par value common stock

3287-U J u ly 29, 1981

App. o f GPC f o r a u t h o r it y to issue and s e l l up to $375,000,000 p r i n c ip a l amount o f F i r s t Mortgage bonds and to is s u e and s e l l up to $75,000,000 p re fe rre d sto ck ; to issu e up to $28,728,000 p r in c ip a l amount o f F i r s t Mortgage bonds f o r sin k in g funds purposes and to borrow up to $50,000,000 from variou s Development A u t h o r it ie s to fina nce a i r and water p o l lu t io n control f a c i l i t i e s and as s e c u r it y f o r such borrowing to issu e and d e l i v e r up to $50,000,000 p r i n c ip a l amount o f F i r s t Mortgage bonds

27

ELECTRIC SERVICE DECISIONS & ORDERS

DOCKET NO.

SUBJECT

3295-U Sept. 15, 1981
3270-U Oct. 21, 1981 3270-U Oct. 21, 1981
3309-U Nov. 13, 1981
3270-U Nov. 24, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f SEPCO to issue and s e l l through public or p rivate placement $20,000,000 P rin cip al Amount o f F i r s t Mortgage Bonds
A p p lic a t io n o f Georgia Power Company f o r a u t h o rit y to increase retail e le ctric service rates
F i r s t Amendatory Order to A p p lic a t io n by Georgia Power Company f o r a u t h o r it y to increase r e t a i l e le c tric service rates
A p p lic a t io n o f SEPCO f o r a u t h o rit y to issue up to 700,000 shares o f $5 par value common stock under a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan
A p p lic a t io n o f Georgia Power Company f o r a u t h o rit y to increase retail e le c tric service rates

RADIO COMMON CARRIER DOCKETED CASES - 1981

DOCKET NO. 3250-U Mar. 13, 1981
3264-U Mar. 25, 1981
3249-U A p r il 3, 1981
3249-U A p r il 3, 1981
3275-U J u ly 1, 1981
3274-U J u ly 1, 1981 3311-U Dec. 9, 1981
3294-U Dec. 9, 1981
3302-U N/A

SUBJECT
J o in t P e t i t i o n o f American Communication Systems, Inc. and Gencom, Inc. f o r approval o f s a le o f a ssets and c a n c e lla t io n of c e r t i f i c a t e and t a r i f f s
A p p lic a tio n o f American Communications Network, Inc. f o r a u t h o r it y to a cqu ire Commercial Radio and f o r new C e r t i f i c a t e o f P u b lic Convenience and N e cessity f o r one-way s i g n a l l i n g and two-way mobile s e rv ic e
Application of Airsignal International for authority to amend C e r t i f i c a t e o f P u b lic Convenience and N ece ssity No. 27, to provide ra dio u t i l i t y s e r v ic e within Atlanta area
Motion fo r reconsideration or re-hearing in matter of Airsignal International's application for authority to expand s e rv ic e to A tla n ta area
Application of Richard T. Jones fo r authority to acquire Car-Tel Communications, Inc. and f o r a C e r t i f i c a t e o f P u b lic Convenience and N ecessity
A p p lic a t io n o f Lonnie Samples f o r a u t h o r it y to acquire Autophone o f V id a lia
A p p lic a t io n o f Lloyd M. Smith and Robert E. Greene fo r authority to acquire ownership of a radio u t i l i t y in Vi d a l i a , GA.
Application of Autofone, Inc. for authority to a d ju st the Schedules o f Rates and Charges f o r local radio service
Rule N is i a g a in s t RACO, Inc. f o r f a i l u r e to f i l e Annual Report and FCC Form "L"

29

GAS UTILITIES ORDERS & DECISIONS

Docket No
Non-Docket Feb. 12, 1981
3195-U Feb. 3, 1981
3259-U March 18, 1981
3263-U A p r il 3, 1981

Subject
A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Co. a p p lic a t io n f o r submission o f F i r s t Revised Sheet No. 8 B.2 , Purchased Gas R ider
Consideration o f Complaint o f Columbia Nitrogen Corp. and N ip ro , Inc. v. A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Co.
A p p lic a t io n o f United C i t i e s Gas Co. f o r a u t h o rit y to issue and s e l l $5,000,000 p r i n c ip a l amount o f F i r s t Mortgage bonds, S e rie s I , and to d e l i v e r Supplemental Indenture securing same
A p p lic a t io n o f United C i t i e s Gas Co. f o r a u t h o rit y to issue and s e l l 30,000 shares o f i t s Common Stock having a par value o f $3,333-1/3 per share f o r Com pany's Dividend Reimbursement and Stock Purchase Plan and f o r other purposes

3254-U A p r il 3, 1981

A p p lic a tio n o f Chattanooga Gas. Co. f o r a u th o rity
to in crease ra tes and charges f o r r e t a i l natural gas s e rv ic e

3256-U Feb. 25, 1981

Implementation of the State of Georgia's R esidential Energy Conservation S e rv ic e Program

Non-Docket June 18, 1981

A u t h o riz a t io n f o r A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Co. to implement Budget Payment Plan

Non-Docket J u ly 7, 1981
Non-Docket J u ly 29, 1981

Proposal by Commission f o r Amendment to U t i l i t y Rules o f the Commission by adding Paragraph 515-9-1-.02, N o tific a tio n o f Proposed Construction thereto, to ensure that the Commission has p r i o r knowledge o f gas p i p e lin e s or mains being constructed and t e s t in g in accordance with the Minimum Federal Safety Standards
Approval o f A tla n ta Gas L ig h t C o . ' s Purchased Gas Adjustment Rider

3298-U Sept. 21, 1981
3282-U Nov. 24, 1981
3288-U Dec. 22, 1981

A p p lic a t io n o f A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Co. to amend D istrib u tio n C e r t if ic a t e o f Public Convenience & N e cessity No. 129 covering portion o f Troup County.
A p p lic a t io n o f Gas L ig h t Co. of Columbus f o r a u t h o r it y to increase rates & charges f o r r e t a i l gas s e r v ic e
A p p lic a t io n o f A tla n ta Gas L ig h t Co. f o r a u t h o r it y to a d ju st the schedules, rates and charges f o r gas s e rv ic e in Georgia.

30

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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA LIBRARIE?