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 1 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. 4 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. 5 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 7 v 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 8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 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 . 12 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. 13 MOTOR CARRIER CERTIFICATION AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION t 5 "' t . v*' 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. * 1 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