{"response":{"docs":[{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-sspring-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2020 Spring","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2020-04"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2020 Spring"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nSpring 2020 \n \nCOVID-19 AND THE NEW NORMAL \n \nOn March 12, amid growing concerns of Coronavirus, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an order that state employees who can telework should telework. By the beginning of April, that became a stay at home order for all Georgia residents, with a list of exceptions including work for Georgians who perform essential services and for necessities including shopping for food. \nThe Georgia Public Service Commission has continued its mission to ensure Georgians have access to low cost, reliable utility service by financially viable companies. To that end, regular committee meetings and administrative hearings have continued. First, with only a few staffers and Commissioners in the hearing room, then entirely online. \nThe grid of faces, sitting at home in front of their computers, has become a familiar site for businesses and governments alike. \n \nPage 1 \n \n PANEL DISCUSSES FUTURE OF EVs \n \nCOMMISSIONER EATON TAKES OVER AS PSC CHAIRMAN \n \nEvery two years, the PSC Commissioners elect a chairman. For 2020-2022, Commissioner Chuck Eaton was selected by his peers. Commissioner Eaton, was first elected to the PSC in 2006. He previously served as chair in 2008-2009 and 20122016. \n \nCommissioner Jason Shaw sat on a panel at Georgia Tech to discuss the future of electric transportation in the Southeast. \nShaw specifically addressed the challenges of electric vehicles in Georgia's spread-out rural areas that have few charging stations. \n \nAs the new chairman, his first order of business was to negotiate a new PSC budget based on Gov. Brian Kemp's ordered cuts. Through negotiation with legislators and the Governor's staff and through the work of PSC budget staff, the 2020 cuts were not as bad as they could have been. The 2021 budget is not complete due to the Coronavirus pandemic. There is still much work ahead. Chairman Eaton has also had the difficult task of guiding committee hearings and administrative sessions via online meetings, a first for the PSC. \nCOMMISSION WELCOMES TEENPACT \n \nCAPITOL SIGHTINGS \nCommissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald dropped by the Gold Dome during the legislative session and ran into Congressman Jody Hice of Monroe, GA. \n \nLong before Tim Echols became a \n \nPSC commissioner, he had a vision \n \nto help youths learn about the politi- \n \ncal process. In 1994, he started \n \nTeenPact Leadership Schools. The \n \nconcept was to help young Georgians \n \nunderstand the political process, val- \n \nue their liberty, defend their Chris- \n \ntian faith, and engage the culture. \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols \n \nNow, TeenPact is active in 45 states \n \nwhere it offers students ages 13-19 hands-on learning experiences in \n \nstate capitols. \n \nCommissioner Jason Shaw \n \nThe inaugural TeenPact class had 18 students. Earlier this year, more than 100 youths filled the PSC hearing room and listened to Georgia politicos including Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton and each of the five PSC Commissioners. \n \nPage 2 \n \n WORK AT THE STATE'S LARGEST CONSTRUCTION SITE, NEW REACTORS AT PLANT VOGTLE, AFFECTED BY COVID-19 \n \nIn February, workers at the Vogtle nuclear reactor expansion project completed a milestone. The concrete work was completed at the Unit 3 container vessel that will house the unit's nuclear reactor. Unfortunately, like much work in Georgia, fears of the Coronavirus has slowed efforts. \n \nWith guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as local, state and federal health officials, safety measures were put in place to protect workers. As the virus spread through Georgia, however, several workers tested positive. The workforce of about 9,000 employees was cut by 20 percent to aid in social distancing at the site. \n \nGeorgia Power officials expect to complete Unit 3 by November 2021 and Unit 4 by November 2022. Public Service Commission staff have not been as optimistic and has said keeping those completion dates would be difficult. \n \nIn an April statement Georgia Power officials has \n \nsaid the reduction in staffing and the additional \n \nsafety measures should not affect the cost or time- Commissioners Bubba McDonald and Jason Shaw visit \n \nline of the construction. \n \nthe Vogtle nuclear construction site in March. \n \nLEGISLATIVE SESSION STARTS BUSY WITH BUDGET, RURAL BROADBAND, THEN HALTS ABRUPTLY \n \nShortly before the Georgia General Assembly gaveled in to start the 2020 legislative session, one large issue loomed above the others. Gov. Brian Kemp requested all departments cut their budget by 4 percent for fiscal year 2020 and 6 percent for 2021. Surely this would be the biggest issue of the year... Well, it seems 2020 had other plans. \n \nFor the PSC (aside from the budget), rural broadband again was a top issue. In 2019, Senate Bill 2 gave the PSC authority to approve cost allocation manuals for EMCs that want to provide high speed internet to rural areas. In 2020, legislators were grappling with pole attachment fees. \n \nCable providers said they would invest in rural broadband if EMCs lowered the fees charged to attach cable to their utility poles. EMCs argued that upkeep of the poles is expensive and the fees are justified. In an attempt to resolve the mater, House Majority Leader Jon Burns and Rep. Ron Stephens came to the PSC. They asked if the Commissioners could open a docket, collect evidence and hold hearings to set pole fees. Commissioners said they could and the House passed a bill requiring the hearings. \n \nMarch 13, before the Senate could debate the bill, the legislature shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of bills, including the pole-fee bill, remain unresolved -- as does the FY2021 budget. The budget is the only matter written in the Constitution that the legislature is required to address. \n \nThe empty halls of the Georgia State Capitol \n \nPage 3 \n \n INFLUENCIAL \n \nTOURING THE BRAND NEW NATHAN DEAL JUDICIAL CENTER \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols a few PSC staffers and some VIPs took a tour of the new Nathan Deal Judicial Center that houses the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court. The tour was guided by Court of Appeals Judge Christian Coomer and Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel. \n \nEvery year, Georgia Trend Magazine publishes its list of the \"100 Most Influential Georgians.\" \nIn 2020, this prestigious group included the likes of Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines; Dr. Patrice Harris, the president of the American Medical Association; U.S. Senator David Perdue; and PSC Commissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald. \nGeorgia Trend specifically pointed to McDonald's longtime support of solar energy in Georgia. \n \nJoining the tour were some Consulates \n \nStanding on the veranda of the Judicial Center, overlooking the Capitol \n \nGeneral including Dr. Heike Fuller of Germany, Andrew Staunton, of Eng- \n \nland; and Kim Young-jun of Korea. \n \nThe $130 million Judicial Center opened in February and carries the name of former legislator, judge, and Governor Nathan Deal. \n \nInside the Georgia Court of Appeals \n \nNOW IS THE TIME TO THANK A LINEWORKER \nEvery April, Georgia celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Month. This year, during the Coronavirus pandemic, we are relying even more on those who work in the field to ensure that the lights come on when we flip the switch. \n \nGeorgia's electricity providers released tips on how you can thank a lineman or linewoman but keep them safe at the same time. \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols interviewed a very influential guest for his radio show: Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp. They discussed work on a topic important to both of them, the fight against human trafficking. \n \nIf you see utility crews, stay back a minimum of six feet  much more if they are working. They ask that you do not provide cookies or treats for workers during this time. A wave or thumbs up is enough for them to understand your gratitude. Don't touch utility trucks or equipment. Electric providers are operating under modi- \nfied conditions to keep workers safe, which includes additional cleaning and sanitation of tools and equipment. You are urged to post your appreciation for lineworkers on social media using the hashtag \n#ThankALineman. \n \nPage 4 \n \n PEACHTREE ROAD UMC TEAMS UP WITH HOPEWORKS \n \nAt HopeWorks, all the widows are sheltering in place. Many of them have no means to buy groceries or to find someone to perform home maintenance such as yard work. \nBeth Spencer, Director of Outreach at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church called HopeWorks and offered to help. When HopeWorks found which widows were in need, Beth and her volunteers went to work. \n\"I keep being amazed at the kindness and generosity of this amazing church,\" said HopeWorks Executive Director Michael Kimsey. \"They love our widows and are willing to show it by these selfless acts of love. I called our widows after all the groceries were delivered, leaves raked and grass cut. All of our ladies were overflowing with gratitude for this great group of believers.\" \nIn 2015, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a grant for the HopeWorks program through the Atlanta Gas Light Company Universal Service Fund. The program can repair or replace gas furnaces or hot water heaters for seniors who own and live in their home and who meet financial restrictions. \nALL IN A DAY'S WORK \nPipeline Safety Inspector Daphne Jones was in Athens this February inspecting Atlanta Gas Light's Athens Service Center. \n \nThe U.S. Attorney's Office offers the following tips to avoid Coronavirus-related scams: \nHang up on robocalls. Scammers use them to pitch scam Coronavirus treatments, work-at-home schemes or fake help in expediting a government check. \nVerify information. Contact trusted sources to confirm information is correct. \nKnow who you're buying from. Online sellers may claim to have products, like cleaning, household, and medical supplies when, in fact, they don't. \nDon't click on links from unknown sources. They could download viruses. \nDo your homework. Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don't do it. \nIf you believe you were scammed, call local police. \nReport Coronavirus Fraud National Center for Disas- \nter Fraud (NCDF) 1-866-720-5721 disaster@leo.gov \n \nPage 5 \n \n PSC HONORS LONG-TIME EMPLOYEES' SERVICE \n \nAt the close of every year, the Public Service Commission honors its long-term employees with certificates of appreciation and a luncheon. At our recent ceremony, 11 employees received certificates. This \nis a testament to the dedication of these employees and to the workplace environment at the PSC. \n \nThe Federal Trade Commission offers the following cybersecurity tips to use while teleworking to help keep viruses, ransomware, malware and other nasty stuff off your computer and off your employer's server: \n- Keep your security software up to date. Make sure the passwords are long, strong and unique: at least 12 characters and a mix of numbers, symbols and capital and lowercase letters. \n- On your router, turn on encryption -- WPA2 or WPA3. This scrambles information sent over your network so outsiders can't read it. No WPA3 or WPA2 options on your router? Try updating your router software, then check again. \n- If you're using a laptop, make sure it is passwordprotected, locked and secure. Never leave it unattended  like in a vehicle or at a public charging station. \n \nFour employees received five-year certificates: Faith Henning, Preston Thomas, Nick Cooper, and Lynn Page. \nTwo employees received 10-year certificates: Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Cathy Nesbitt. \nOntario Johnson received a 15-year certificate. \nTwo employees received 20-year certificates: Jeff Stair and Claudette Willingham. \nEarnest Whatley received a 25 year certificate. \nAlan Towe received a 30-year certificate. \n62 YEARS OF PSC EXPERIENCE DANCE \nINTO RETIREMENT \nThe PSC lost invaluable experience with the retirements of three employees who had been with the commission for a combined 62 years. \nJanice Sears was hired in 2005. She worked in Consumer Affairs for three years, then was promoted to the Gas Unit, where she worked for more than 11 years. \nJeff Stair was hired as an attorney in 1999. When he left, he was the PSC lead attorney having litigated countless rate cases and IRPs. \n \n- Follow your employer's security practices. Your home is now an extension of your office. So, follow the protocols that your employer has implemented. \n \nSheree Kernizan started at the PSC in 1993. She began as a public utilities engineer. When she retired, she had been the director of the Electric Unit for 22 years. \nThese dedicated employees will be missed. \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n \nMILESTONES \n \n30 YEARS \nLeon Bowles \n \nErica Wilson, an analyst in in the Telecom Unit is engaged to Alfonzie Wilson. They are planning a destination Wedding in Costa Rica on June 24th, 2020. \n \n20 YEARS \nPat Welcome \n20 YEARS \nPatrick Reinhardt \n \nMaritza Rivera, with Facilities Protection said she was hesitant to share the news but, unfortunately, her dog Thor (\"my little superhero,\" she called him) passed away from cancer on March 28. He was 9 years old and had been with her since he was 6 weeks. \nCommission Chairman Chuck Eaton's daughter Lily recently celebrated her 3rd birthday with a \"Frozen\"-themed cake. \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nMay 2020 5--Administrative Session \n \nJune 2020 2--Administrative Session \n \nJuly 2020 1--#42959 Liberty Rate Case \n \n5--#29849 GPC VCM Report 14--Committee Meetings \n \n11--Committee Meetings 16--Administrative Session \n \n2--Committee Meetings 3--State Holiday \n \n19--Administrative Session \n \n25--#29849 GPC VCM Report \n \n19- #43011 GPC Fuel Cost Recovery \n28--Committee Meetings \n \n30--#42959 Liberty Rate Case \n \n7--Administrative Session 16--Committee Meetings 21--Administrative Session \n \n28 Special Administrative Session--GPC Fuel Cost Recovery \n \n23--#29849 GPC VCM Report 30--Committee Meetings \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nSunday, May 10 \n \nMonday, May 25 \n \nSaturday, July 4 (State Holiday--Friday, July 3) \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Tom Krause, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \n \nCOMMISSIONERS Chuck Eaton, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald Tricia Pridemore Jason Shaw \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \nPage 8 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-swinter-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2020 Winter","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2020-01"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2020 Winter"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2020-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nWinter 2020 \n \n2019 BUSIEST YEAR IN RECENT MEMORY \nFOR COMMISSION \n \n2019 provided many challenges and successes for the Georgia Public \nService Commission and its staff. Almost immediately following the 2019 Legislative Session, the PSC began holding hearings for Georgia Power Company's Integrated Resource Plan. The year was also highlighted by new rate cases for both Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light as well as continued work to oversee the construction of two new nuclear power generators at Plant Vogtle. By the end of the year, the Commission had voted to nearly double Georgia's use of solar power. Commissioners likewise altered Georgia Power's requested rate increase by approving a smaller increase that will still help the utility to repair storm damage and to clean up coal ash ponds at plants around the state. Atlanta Gas Light received a modest rate increase but it came with caveats that the company must ramp up safety measures and improve customer service. Construction of the new reactors at Plant Vogtle have been behind schedule and over cost, and PSC consultants have expressed doubts about the project making it's current deadlines (opening Vogtle 3 by November 2021 and Vogtle 4 by November 2022). They also determined that the project is still viable and will offer Georgians clean and reliable electricity for years to come. \nPage 1 \n \n COMMISSIONERS EDUCATING OTHERS \n \nCOMMISSIONER ECHOLS' 9TH ANNUAL \nCLEAN ENERGY ROADSHOW HOLDS SIX EVENTS ACROSS GEORGIA \n \nFrom Savannah to Albany, Augusta to Atlanta, Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols brought out Bolts, Teslas, and big machinery too, showing off what some call the vehicles of the future -- but they're being used right now. \n \nCommissioner Jason Shaw visited LaGrange College to discuss clean energy from a conservative perspective. Shaw, at left, was joined by former U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, executive director of The Ray Allie Kelly and State Sen. Randy Robertson. \n \nA school bus powered by propane. The only com- In 2011, Commissioner plaint schools receive is that parents inside Echols wanted to find a \n \nhomes can't hear this quiet bus coming. \n \nway to highlight trends in \n \nalternative-fuel-vehicle technology, transportation, mobility and \n \nsustainability. The Clean Energy Roadshow was born. At the 2019 \n \nRoadshow's two-hour seminar, experts discussed how rural and \n \nurban communities use electric, \n \npropane and natural gas vehi- \n \ncles in private and commercial \n \ntransportation. They also dis- \n \ncuss how fleets can make in- \n \nformed decisions. \n \nThe Clean Energy Roadshow is \n \nsponsored by Georgia Power, \n \nBlue Bird, Clean Cities Georgia, \n \nNissan, the Natural Gas Associ- \n \nation of Georgia, and Atlanta Commissioner Tim Echols stands next \n \nGas Light. \n \nto a Chevy Bolt fully electric vehicle. \n \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore visited Lexington, Ky, where she sat on a panel called \"The Intersection of Telecom and Electric Utilities.\" The EnVision Summit was presented by FERC Chairman Neil \nChatterjee . \n \nEven in a slight rain, people came to the Atlanta Roadshow to see a \"cherry picker\" truck owned by DeKalb County and powered by compressed natural gas. \n \nPage 2 \n \n COMMISSION CHAIRMAN MCDONALD NAMED `SOLAR ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR' \n \nThe Georgia Solar Energy Association has presented Commission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald with its \"Solar Advocate of the Year\" award for his long dedication to solar energy and for his hard work expanding solar energy in the state of Georgia. \n \nAssociation officials said the solar industry provides more than 4,000 jobs to Georgians and adds billions of dollars in economic impact to the state. \n \nAt the awards luncheon, a video celebrating Chairman McDonald's life and work was aired. It included comments from Governor Brian Kemp who con- \ngratulated the Chairman for his many efforts to expand solar energy without upward pressure on ratepayers and without state subsidies. \n \nWhile accepting the award, Chairman \n \nMcDonald reiterated his long-held \n \nstance that nuclear energy and solar en- \n \nergy go hand in hand. When the two new \n \nnuclear plants go online, and the state \n \nCommission Chairman McDonald and his wife Shelley attend the awards ceremony \n \ncontinues to retire more Georgia will have some of \n \ncoal plants, the cleanest \n \nair in the country. \n \nCOMMISSIONER PRIDEMORE VISITS HER ALMA MATER...TWICE \nWith Football season at full tilt, Commissioner Tricia Pridemore visited Kennesaw State University where she tossed the coin before the game against Northern Alabama. Commissioner Pridemore earned her bachelor's degree from KSU. The KSU Owls won the toss and went on to defeat the North Alabama Lions 41-17. \nCommissioner Pridemore returned to KSU a few weeks later at the invitation of the Association of Energy Engineers Student Chapter. The event was titled \"Cobb County's Energy Generation Fleet and Economic Development.\" Among the topics discussed was nuclear power and its ability to produce clean, carbon-free energy, and a lot of it. \n \nPSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore walks onto the field of Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University to toss the coin at the start of a \ngame against the North Alabama Lions. \n \nPage 3 \n \n COAL ASH CLEANUP \nCommission Chair Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, his wife Shelley and a few PSC staffers visited a coal ash site at the nowclosed Plant McDonoughAtkinson in Smyrna. There are four coal ash ponds at the site. Contracting company Cooper Barnette Page has removed all the coal ash from two of the ponds and have two more to go. \nThe coal ash is removed from unlined ponds and is placed in more-secure lined areas where contaminates cannot make it into the ground water. \nThe process can be more than a little dangerous. Crews are knowledgeable and conscientious, but mounds of fine coal ash can give way to the weight of bulldozers. \nAt the event attended by the chairman, several Cooper Barnette Page employees were given awards for their specific attempts to ensure crews remained safe. \n \nCOMMISSIONER ECHOLS ORGANIZES PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD A SOLAR PAVILION ON SAPELO ISLAND \n \nOff the Georgia coast, Sape- \n \nlo Island's Hog Hammock \n \ncommunity remains the \n \nhome of the Gullah- \n \nGeechee, a community of \n \npeople who can trace their \n \nancestors back to the plan- \n \ntations of the late 1700s. Af- \n \nter a visit to the island, \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols \n \noffered to take on a project \n \nthat involved nearly a dozen Commissioner Tim Echols and Dr. Carolyn \n \npartners and a year's worth Dowse, who started the Hog Hammock Public \n \nof work. Together, they built Library many years ago. The solar pavilion is \n \na solar pavilion outside the \n \nnow named in her honor. \n \nHog Hammock Public Library. It is expected to help pay the power \n \nbill for the small library over the next 30 years. \n \nThe $35,000 project, which included a play- \n \nground upgrade, was funded through donations. \n \nSouthern Current donated the solar panels. Yella- \n \nwood donated materials for a pavilion. EDF Re- \n \nnewables donated the construction costs. The \n \nGeorgia Department of Natural \n \nResources donated ferry time to \n \nbring materials to the island. DS \n \nSmith provided services to clear \n \ndilapidated trees. The Universi- \n \nty of Georgia provided students \n \nto landscape. Darien Telephone \n \ndonated picnic tables. Island \n \nVaughnette Goode- residents themselves pitched in \n \nWalker, author and and assisted with site prepara- \n \nhistorian, spoke tion and assembly of picnic ta- \n \nabout the Geechee people , their customs \n \nbles \n \nand \n \nplayground \n \nequip- \n \nand history. \n \nment. \n \nIn August, about 40-50 people attended a ribbon- \n \ncutting ceremony. Historians, storytellers, library staff and elected officials braved the hot sun for an \n \nA plaque on the solar pavilion includes \n \nafternoon celebrating the Gullah-Geechee. One the logos of all the \n \nGeorgian who can trace her ancestry to the com- partners who helped \n \nmunity came all the way down from Atlanta -- PSC make the project \n \nProgram Associate Pat Welcome. \n \npossible. \n \nPage 4 \n \n PSC CUSTOMER SERVICE HELPS SENIORS \nLisa Jensen and Karen Howell, with Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs, went to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church to represent the Commission at the Council on Aging Community \nOutreach Program. \n \nVISITORS FROM AFAR \n \nThe program, geared toward seniors, had three goals. \n \nFirst, to inform the public on procedures used in referring, accessing services and connecting seniors to needed services and to do it in a timely Lisa Jensen and manner. \nKaren Howell with \nPSC Customer Service Second, to educate the community about available services on the state, regional and county lev- \nels and about the referral process to access those services. Specifically, they discussed services available through the Older Americans Act. \n \nThird, the program helped \n \nseniors develop a clearer \n \nunderstanding on how the \n \nsystem works to connect \n \nseniors to available ser- \n \nvices, how they can stay \n \nbetter informed about what \n \nis available to them and fol- \n \nlow-up procedures used to \n \nmaintain contact with sen- People gather at Peachtree Road United Methodiors to ensure they receive ist Church to hear about services available to \n \nthe best outcomes. \n \nseniors and how to connect with those services \n \nThe U.S. Department of \n \nState hosted a visit by a \n \ngroup from Pakistan. \n \nCommission Chairman \n \nLauren \n \n\"Bubba\" \n \nMcDonald took the \n \ntime to discuss with \n \nthem the role of the \n \nGeorgia Public Service \n \nCommission and how it \n \nhandles its many duties. \n \nALL IN A DAY'S WORK \n \nFacility Protection inspectors Kenny Rowe and Ben Stair stand high above the ground as they perform an inspection of Atlanta Gas Light's liquid natural gas plant in Macon. \n \nConsulate General Heike Fuller of Germany speaks with Commissioners Tim Echols and Chuck Eaton on her visit to the Public Service Commission. One of the many interesting facts she shared: most German cars made in the U.S. South are sold to drivers in China. \n \nPage 5 \n \n Jada Brock, the director of Operations Support and Samir Ahmed, Operations Support Developer, have been selected into a Master's degree program in cybersecurity at Georgia Tech. They are in the Energy and Public Policy tracks. Georgia Tech ranks second in the nation for cybersecurity curriculum according to Degree Prospects. \nTOP CAUSES OF SECURITY BREACHES \nCourtesy of cipher.com \nPage 6 \n \nPSC REPRESENTS AT 5K \nElectric Unit Director Sheree Kernizan, Utilities Analysts Sam Johnson and George Brown, and Administrative Assistant Ann McCullough sweated it out to represent the Public Service Commission at the Kaiser Permanente Run, Walk, Roll 5K. \nThe event is intended to promote health and fitness for metroAtlanta businesses and their employees. \nMore than 5,000 runners participated in the race. Both Johnson and Kernizan finished in the top 20 percent of the field. \n \nPSC'S FIRST CHILI COOK-OFF \n \nAs the fall weather set in, Administrative Assistant Quawanda Boyer founded and organized the \nPublic Service Commission's first Chili Cook-off. \n \nTwo commissioners and eight staffers mixed up bowls of their inventive concoctions for a chance to win coveted ribbons and one very important golden trophy. \n \nThe ten entrants included Commissioners Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Tim Echols, along with staffers Faith Henning, Deborah Flannagan, Reece McAlister, Sallie Tanner, John Gunnells, Jada Brock, Nick Cooper and Tom Bond. \n \nFirst, second and third place went to McAlister, Tanner and Gunnells respectively. \n \nThose who opted not to \n \nthrow their chili bowl Executive Assistant Sallie Tanner hands out \n \ninto the ring pitched in samples to judges including former Commission- \n \nwith cornbread, muffins, \n \ner Stan Wise and former Consumer Affairs head James Gibson. Utilities analyst Ben De- \n \ncheese, onions, crackers \n \nitchman also served as a judge. \n \nand desserts. \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n20 YEARS \nLynn Buffington \n \nMILESTONES \n \n10 YEARS \nShemetha Jones \n5 YEARS \nLynn Page \n \nIn the last issue of The PSC Pulse, Electric Unit Director Sheree Kernizan was celebrating the wedding of her son, Michel. No need to stop celebrating. Her other son married in September. Congratulations Marcus and Desirae Kernizan. \n \nAdministrative Assistant Sallie Tanner has been appointed to the board of directors of the Women's Energy Network Greater Atlanta Chapter. This organization works to provide mentoring and networking opportunities for women in the energy profession. \nMembers include women from private and public energy organizations including careers from electricity production to gas pipelines. \n \nConsumer Affairs Administrative Assistant Stephanie Billups and her husband welcomed a beautiful new addition to their family, a daughter named Dallas. \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nJanuary 2020 1--New Year's Day \n \nFebruary 2020 4--Administrative Session \n \nMarch 2020 3--Administrative Session \n \n2 -- Committee Meetings waived 7--Administrative Session \n \n13--Committee Meetings 18--Administrative Session \n \n12--Committee Meetings 17--Administrative Session \n \n16--Committee Meetings 20--Martin Luther King Day 21--Administrative Session \n \n27--Committee Meetings \n \n26-- Committee Meetings 31-- Administrative Session \n \n30--Committee Meeting \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nWednesday, Jan. 1 \n \nMonday, Jan. 20 \n \nTuesday, March 17 \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Tom Krause, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \nPage 8 \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore Jason Shaw \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sfall-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2019 Fall","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2019-10"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2019 Fall"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sfall-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sfall-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nFall 2019 \n \nIRP APPROVED DURING BUSY SUMMER SOLAR POWER ARRAY NEARLY DOUBLES \n \nIn a summer marked by the three-year Georgia Power Company Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and rate cases associated with both Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved an IRP that will nearly doubles Georgia's solar power array. This was accomplished utilizing a market-based approach without any upward pressure on the rate payers and no state subsidies. Georgia Power had initially recommended adding 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to the grid. In a stipulation agreement with Commission staff, that amount was increased to 1,650 megawatts. During a July hearing, PSC Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald made a motion to increase solar energy procurement to 2,210 megawatts, the largest increase in Georgia's history. The five-member Commission voted unanimously to pass the motion. In 2013 Georgia only had some nominal solar energy online, less than 300 megawatts. In the 2013 IRP, the Commission added 525 megawatts of solar energy. Three years later, in the 2016 IRP, another 1,600 megawatts were added. Georgia should have a total of 2,400 megawatts of solar and other renewable energy on the grid by the end of this year and 4,550 megawatts by the end of 2022. \nPage 1 \n \n STAFF GETS UPDATE ON OPENRECORD LAWS \nAs state employees, we must always remember that the word \"public\" in Georgia Public Service Commission is possibly the most important word we deal with on a daily basis. \nTo that end, Commissioners and Staff gathered recently for a primmer and update on Georgia's open meetings and open record laws. \nAsst. Attorney General Jennifer Colangelo, an expert in Georgia's \"Sunshine Law\" came to offer a presentation and answer questions. The bottom line, answer queries immediately, even if it's just to tell the person you'll have to find them an answer. \n \nPSC OUTGROWING ITS HEARING ROOM \n \nApril hearing in the first-floor hearing room where every seat was occupied \n \nAdministrative sessions, committee hearings, and this summer's IRP hearings are evidence that the PSC is outgrowing its hearing room. For most events in the first-floor room, visitors are standing along both walls and every seat is taken. During one meeting in July, Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald asked for a volunteer to stand so a female senior citizen could have a seat. Two young men quickly offered. \n \nApril hearing \n \nMcDonald said he hopes the Building Authority will consider allotting more space to the PSC once the new law building opens and the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court vacate their current space. \n \nCommissioner Chuck Eaton, center, and Commissioners Jason Shaw and Tricia Pridemore, seated at right, along with staff listen to Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Colangelo, standing at left. \nPage 2 \n \nJuly hearing where audience members stood along the walls of the room \n \n NATURAL GAS STAFF TAKES FIELD TRIPS TO GEORGIA TECH AND BALDWIN PAVING \n \nMembers of the PSC Gas Staff recently visited two large industrial customers served on Atlanta Gas Light's system  Georgia Tech and the Baldwin Paving Company. Although both receive firm and interruptible natural gas service respectively, the primary purpose of the visit was to give Gas \n \nStaff firsthand knowledge of the operations of customers who operate under AGL's interruptible rate schedules. \n \nGas Staff was able to tour Georgia Tech facilities and learn how natural gas runs its on-campus steam boilers. While at Baldwin Paving, Gas Staff met with a representative who discussed how vital firm and interruptible natural gas service is to their operations. At both locations, company representatives explained how they monitor operations, specifically during curtailments and which backup fuel is utilized when natural gas service is interrupted. \n \nNatural Gas Director Nancy Tyer discusses operations with a Georgia Tech Engineer. \n \nCOMMISSIONERS CELEBRATE FLOYD PIPELINE UPGRADE \nCommissioners Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Tim Echols, and Chuck Eaton visited the Rome Floyd Chamber to help celebrate the replacement of a 4-inch natural gas pipeline from Rome to International Paper with a new 12-inch line. The public-private partnership included the PSC, Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, International Paper and Rome/Floyd County officials. \nThe $22.3 million project will be completed in phases through its completion in 2021. The pipeline will assist International Paper's efforts to switch a coal-fired plant to cheaper and more environmentally friendly natural gas. \n \nPSC Commissioner Chuck Eaton at the Rome Floyd Chamber speaking before representatives with Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, International Paper and local government leaders. \n \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSONER ECHOLS SPEAKS TO BUSINESS RADIO X \n \nPublic Service Commission Vice Chair Tim Echols took time before speaking on a FinTech South panel at Mercedes Benz Stadium to answer questions from a host at Business Radio X, an Internet based network. \n \nENERGY OVER THE AIRWAVES \n \nCommission Chairman \n \nLauren \n \n\"Bubba\" \n \nMcDonald stopped by \n \nthe offices of WABE radio \n \nto sit down with Rose \n \nScott of the program \n \n\"Closer Look.\" \n \nThe Chairman discussed solar energy and the free market, Georgia's energy needs and the benefits of using nuclear energy production to support solar power. \n \nCOMMISSIONER PRIDEMORE APPOINTED TO NARUC SUMCOMMITTEE \nThe President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has appointed PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore to serve on its Subcommittee on Education and Research. \nThis subcommittee is responsible for all of the training that NARUC provides commissioners and commission staff nationwide. \nThe Executive Director of NARUC, Greg White, has said he considers education to be NARUC's most important function. \nCOMMISSIONER SHAW ADDS BIOMASS TO THE IRP \nShortly before the Public Service Commission was set to approve the 2019 Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan, Commissioner Jason Shaw made a motion to add 50 megawatts of biomass energy production. The motion was adopted unanimously. \n\"Georgia has a vast timber industry that has seen recent challenges from Hurricanes Michael and Matthew,\" Shaw said after the vote. \"We saw resources literally rot on the ground that could have been used as fuel for energy generation. Biomass energy helps both the timber industry plus rural Georgia, where jobs in biomass plants would provide stable employment in much needed areas.\" \n \nAndres Villegas, President \u0026 CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association, commended Shaw for his promotion of biomass energy. \nPSC Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" \n\"This vote sends a strong message McDonald, Director of the Georthat our state is committed to sup- gia Forestry Commission Chuck porting sustainable sources of renew- Williams, and PSC Electric Unit able energy and rural jobs,\" he said. Director Sheree Kernizan tour a \nbiomass plant in Barnesville \n \nPage 4 \n \n HOPEWORKS HIRES SUMMER INTERNS \n \nEvery summer, HopeWorks hires several summer interns to serve with staff. This summer, three young men joined in to lend a hand. Raymond, a junior at West Georgia studying to be a physician's assistant, and Jamari, a junior at Georgia State University studying graphic arts, returned from last year's intern program. The newest intern, Joseph, is a sophomore at Georgia Southern University studying computer science. \n \nTheir time, every morning, includes some very practical \"hands-on\" work serving HopeWorks widows. But the program is not just about cutting grass or pressure washing houses. It also involves spending time with the low-income senior widows, talking and praying \n \nwith them after working on their homes. The result is a transfer of knowledge, wisdom, and love from the widows to these young men. They are learning the value of serving others in practical ways, while acquiring a better understanding of what Christ's ministry is all about. \n \nSummer interns Raymond, Jamari and Joseph on a recent trip to help some of our seniors in Savannah. Also pictured Mrs. Campbell (City of Savannah Housing) and \nMrs. Kitchens (HopeWorks widow) \n \nAll in a Day's Work \n \nTOURING SPELMAN COLLEGE \nSeveral GPSC Commissioners joined Electric Unit Director Sheree Kernizan for a luncheon at Spelman College. \nBeyond a tour and a fellowship lunch, discussions included a briefing on The Atlanta University Center Consortium, the world's oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities in the country. \nFor Sheree Kernizan, it was a bit of a homecoming. She is a Spelman alum. \nTo read about the recent recognition she received from her alma mater, read \"Milestones\" on Page 7. \n \nAnyone who opened The Atlanta Journal Constitution one day in July got to see the PSC in action as pipeline safety supervisor Jeff Baggett was photographed hard at work. \n \nFrom left to right -- Commissioners Jason Shaw and Chuck Eaton, Felicia Davis, Director of the Building Green Initiative at Clark Atlanta University, Electric Unit Director Sheree Kernizan, Commissioners Tim Echols and Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, and Chandra Farley, Director of the Just Energy Program at the Partnership for Southern Equity. \n \nPage 5 \n \n SAFE AND SOUND \n \nTRAVELING FAR, FAR AWAY \n \nCommission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald is flanked by his two bodyguards grandsons at Riverside Military Academy. Wylie, on the left, is a junior. Ridley is a freshman. \nUK VISITS THE USA \nRecently, several members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom stopped by the PSC offices and sat down with Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols. Topics included electric and autonomous vehicles, public transportation, smart-city technology and even the abolition of slavery. \n \nAbove, PSC Commissioner Tim Echols stands at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, with fellow U.S. energy officials on a study tour paid for by the German American Chamber of Commerce. \nAt right, PSC Human Resources Director Cheryl Dumas uses a little camera trickery to give a hip new look to the 4,500-year -old Sphynx during her vacation in Egypt. \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols speaks with four Members of Parliament, and staffers from the U.K. Consul General's Office. \nPage 6 \n \nChairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and his wife Shelley stand before the Great Wall of China during a trip to the other side of the world. \nThe trip, which cost no taxpayer money, allowed McDonald to provide the Asia Nuclear Business Platform with an update on the Vogtle nuclear power expansion project. \nExperts from the Asia and international nuclear community were appreciative of McDonald's insights. \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n30 YEARS \nAlan Towe \n25 YEARS \nCommissioner Jason Shaw (total time with the state) \n20 YEARS \nMonique Andrews Claudette Willingham \n15 YEARS \nOntario Johnson \n5 YEARS \nNicholas Cooper \nNEWLY HIRED \n \nMILESTONES \nElectric Unit Director Sheree Kernizan is celebrating two milestones. She was listed in the Spelman Messenger alumni magazine as an Influencer in Advocacy, Government and Public Policy. \nAlso, her son, Michel, married Eboni Cleveland in Dallas, Texas on July 5th \n \nExecutive Director Deborah Flannagan's daughter, Kristen, graduated high school with a 3.86 GPA, while also completing 62 college credits. So, she moves from senior in high school to college junior. For grad school, Kristen hopes to attend veterinary school. \n \nDirector of Operation Support Jada Brock reports that her son, Daniel, worked the runway at Men's Fashion Week in New York and appeared in the Italian issue of Vogue, highlighting his work in New York. \n \nScotty Davis was hired as a pipeline safety inspector in June. Previously, he worked at Southern Company Gas in the Asset Protection Department. \nHe and his wife Hannah have been married for 15 years and have two sons, Hayden and Luke. \nScotty is an Eagle Scout who enjoys building and re -finishing furniture. \n \nCongratulations to Utilities Analyst Dhwani Chheda and Kunal Chawda on their engagement. \nThe nuptials will take place in Mumbai, India, in December. \n \nThe Legal Department's Jeffrey Stair became a grandfather for the first time when his daughter, Lauren, gave birth to Owen Jeffrey Hughes. \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nSeptember 2019 2 -- Labor Day \n \nOctober 2019 \n \nNovember 2019 \n \n1-2 -- Georgia Power Rate Case 4-7 -- Georgia Power Rate Case \n \n3 -- Administrative Session 10-12 -- Atlanta Gas Light Rate Case 12 -- Committee Meetings 17 -- Administrative Session 26 -- Committee Meetings \n30 -- Georgia Power Rate Case \n \n2 -- Administrative Session 1o -- Committee Meetings \n \n5 -- Administration Session 11 -- Veterans Day \n \n14 -- Columbus Day \n \n14-- Committee Meetings \n \n15 -- Administrative Session \n \n21-- Administrative Session \n \n23-24 -- Atlanta Gas Light Rate Case \n31 -- Committee Meetings \n \n21-22 -- Atlanta Gas Light Rate Case \n25-26 -- Georgia Power Rate Case \n28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday, Sept. 2 \n \nMonday, Oct. 14 \n \nMonday, Nov. 11 \n \nThursday, Nov. 28 \u0026 Friday, Nov. 29 \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Tom Krause, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore Jason Shaw \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \nPage 8 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sspring-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2019 Spring","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2019-04"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2019 Spring"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission May 2019 \nIRP HEARINGS BEGIN \n \nOver two-and-half days in April, the Georgia Public Service Commission heard testimony from Georgia Power executives regarding the company's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The IRP is Georgia Power's long-term plan that it must present to the Commission every three years to forecast the state's electric power needs and to explain to Commissioners how it plans to meet those needs. \nGeorgia Power presented ideas including adding 1,000 megawatts  or 1 gigawatt  of solar power to Georgia's grid. The Brunswick News reports that Georgia leads the region in watts per customer of solar power (280 wpc) but other states are catching up. Commission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Vice Chairman Tim Echols have said the Commission is likely to require Georgia Power to increase its solar output. \nThe Commission will hear more testimony in May and June and is scheduled to release a final decision on July 16. \n \nPage 1 \n \n IMMEDIATE HELP AT GEORGIA PSC \nIt's a normal workday. You're talking with a colleague when, suddenly, he can't catch his breath. He says his chest is pounding. Who do you call? 911? \nA call to 911 is always appropriate in an emergency, but you might also call Lynn Page in the Chairman's Office or Reece McAlister, the executive secretary. \nBoth are certified in first aid, CPR, and AED -- the use of an automated external defibrillator. \nTwo of such defibrillators are located within our offices. One is in the 2nd floor mail room. Another is in the breakroom on the 1st floor of the 254 building. \nAutomated External Defibrillator -- 2nd Floor Page 2 \n \nHopeWorks: MAKING A DIFFERENCE \nThis winter, a 91-year-old widow was living in a house with no heat. A heat exchanger in her furnace had rusted through, so the furnace had to be disabled to prevent carbon monoxide from escaping into the house. Mrs. Terrell, on a fixed income, didn't know what to do. The few space heaters she had just weren't up to the task. A friend gave her the number to HopeWorks. \n \nIn 2015, the Georgia Public \n \nService Commission ap- \n \nproved a grant for the \n \nHopeWorks \n \nprogram \n \nthrough the Atlanta Gas \n \nLight Company Universal \n \nService Fund. The program can repair or replace gas furnaces or \n \nhot water heaters for seniors who own and live in their home and \n \nwho meet financial restrictions. \n \nMrs. Terrell went through the qualifying process and was approved. HopeWorks installed a new high-efficiency furnace in her home. It didn't cost her a dime. \n\"Those space heaters weren't doing much,\" Mrs. Terrell said. \"I was very cold, but now I'm warm. Thank you all so much. You have been a blessing.\" \nHopeWorks is always looking for volunteers or donations via its Website: www.hopeworks4us.org. \n \nUTILITY STAFF MEMBER VISITS VIETNAM THROUGH NARUC \nUtility Analyst Rob Trokey visited Hanoi, Vietnam to participate in the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners' International Peer Review on Ancillary Services, Direct PPAs and Smart Grids. \n \n PSC CHAIR SPEAKS TO GREEN COUNCIL \nIn Macon, Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald discussed his love for solar energy while speaking before the U.S. Green Building Council's Middle Georgia Sustainability Showcase. \nIn 2013, he said, there was no solar energy in Georgia Power's Integrated Resource Plan. He approached company officials with a suggestion: Georgia Power and the PSC should work as partners, rather than adversaries. Together, they ensured a market-driven approach would create the successful environment to grow solar power in Georgia. The partnership would be a \"win-win,\" McDonald said. \nSolar power continues to grow in the state with no upward pressure on ratepayers and no state subsidies. \nCurrently, Georgia Power's IRP suggests adding 1,000 megawatts of solar power. McDonald said people should expect the Commission to ask for more. \nGOV. KEMP PROCLAIMS APRIL `SAFE DIGGING MONTH' \nCommissioner Chuck Eaton, PSC staffers Lynn Page, Michelle Thebert, Will Culbreath, and Tom Krause joined utility crews and officials with Georgia 811 as Gov. Brian Kemp ratified a petition declaring April \"Safe Digging Month.\" \nGov. Kemp noted that 15 years ago, before the 811 system existed, he was working a backhoe that hit a line and cut off power to a hospital. He had called for the survey of utilities, but the lines were improperly marked. \nGov. Kemp used that story to underscore the importance of calling before you dig. Even shallow excavation can damage water lines, gas lines or other utilities. Repair can be costly and it keeps crews away from important work on Georgia's infrastructure. \nGov. Kemp in his Ceremonial Office displays his proclamation declaring April \"Safe Digging Month\" in Georgia. Commissioner Chuck Eaton stands at the left. \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSONER ECHOLS SPEAKS AT \nFINTECH \nPSC Vice Chair Tim Echols sat on a FinTech panel discussing the financial gap and how technology can help lower-income Georgians pay their bills. Specifically, he discussed Georgia Power's Pre-Pay program. \nCOMMISSION CHAIRMAN DROPS \nIN ON ISAKSON \n \nCOMMISSIONERS PRIDEMORE AND SHAW ATTEND NARUC TRAINING IN D.C. \nOver two days in April, Commissioners Tricia Pridemore and Jason Shaw attended the National Association of Regulatory Util- \nity Commissioners' New Commissioner Regulatory Orientation. \nThe training gives new commissioners insight into the regulation of electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications. It also provides tips on commission management and state vs. federal jurisdictions and responsibilities. \nCommissioner Pridemore was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal in 2018 and was elected to the position in November. Commissioner Shaw was appointed in January. \nThe orientation, held at NARUC's offices in Washington is designed for commissioners with less than a year of commission experience. \n \nPUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO OVERSEE EMCS THAT DELIVER BROADBAND SERVICES \n \nAs the 2019 session of the Georgia General Assembly drew to a close, Legislators put the finishing touches on a bill that would allow Electric Membership Corporations to offer broadband Internet services to their customers. \n \nOn a recent stop in Washington, DC, PSC Commission Chair Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and his wife, Shelley, stopped by the office of his old friend, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. The three had lunch together. \n \nAmong the many issues that caused friction was the proper authority for potential complaints against the EMCs. Some Legislators wanted the courts to preside over disputes; others wanted the \nPublic Service Commission to make the call. In the end, the General Assembly trusted the PSC to handle issues related to EMCs and compliance with the new broadband law. \nLegislators hope the EMC's foray into Internet service will result in a big step forward as Georgia tries to ensure all households, including those in the most rural parts of the state, have adequate Internet services. \n \nPage 4 \n \n LEGISLATURE, COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF HONOR PIO BILL EDGE UPON RETIREMENT \n \nCommissioners Eaton, Shaw and McDonald wishing Bill Edge well in his retirement. \n \nBill Edge, with his wife Debbie, speaks in the rostrum of the Georgia State Senate while receiving a resolution in his honor. \n \nPIO and Legislative Liaison Bill Edge retired at the end of March after 18 years with the PSC. His longevity as a state employee was recognized in a resolution presented by the Georgia State Senate. \n \nAt the PSC offices, fellow employees held a retirement party where commissioners and staffers got the chance to say their goodbyes. \n \nBefore his time with the PSC, Edge spent nearly 20 years working as a TV and radio journalist. He also served as a Navy Reservist for 30 years earning the rank of Captain. \n \nHUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR STARS IN COM- \nMERCIAL FOR CELLULAR COMPANY \nHuman Resources Director Cheryl Dumas, a longtime Consumer Cellular customer, was given the opportunity to appear on camera in an ad touting the phone service. She said it was actually very casual. They asked her questions that were not prepared in advance, \nso everything remained unscripted and conversational. \n \nPSC STAFFERS TOUR VOGTLE \nAs Southern Nuclear finishes construction on the No. 3 and No. 4 reactors at Plant Vogtle, a handful of PSC staffers were led on a detailed tour of the site, including a visit inside the No. 3 containment unit. (No nuclear fuel has been placed in the unit as of yet). \nSouthern Nuclear's Mike McCracken and Georgia Power Senior Engineer Duoug Nguyen discussed safety measures including the shielding around the containment unit that can withstand the force of a plane crash and procedures for shutdown safety that include redundancy after redundancy. \nAny PSC employee who has not taken the tour should speak to his or her supervisor. It is well worth the trip. \n \nShe said this was not a \"paid testimonial.\" She really does enjoy Consumer Cellular and had a great time filming the commercial. \n \nFrom left to right -- Dennis Sewell, Nancy Gibson, George Brown, Tom Krause, Georgia Power staffer Kelley Balkcom and Nick Hall. \n \nPage 5 \n \n NARUC MEETING IN WASHINGTON DC \n \nHIS FIRST TURKEY SHOOT \n \nFrom left to right, Samuel Johnson, Janey Chauvet and John Gunnells. Members of the Natural Gas Staff visited the Cove Point LNG Terminal during the recent National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners meeting in Washington. \n \nPSC STAFFER HELPS WRITE PAPER \nRenewable Energy Manager Jamie Barber coauthored a paper on net energy metering policies along with a principal researcher at the National Regulatory Research Institute. She was thanked for her \"valuable assistance\" in the paper's Acknowledgements section. \n \nCommissioner Jason Shaw and his 6 year old son Slaton took advantage of the March opening weekend of Turkey hunting in South Georgia. Slaton, who had never been turkey hunting before shot a double! \nWELCOME \n \nTom Krause became the new PIO/Legislative Liaison \non April 1, 2019 \n \nTom Krause came to the PSC from the Georgia Senate, where he worked as the Majority Leader's chief of staff. \nHe has a long history in communications, starting with a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Miami. For 15 years, he worked for newspapers including The Macon Telegraph and The Tampa Tribune. \nHe lives near Midtown with his wife, Rachel, his three daughters, and an entirelytoo-hyper rescue lab named Cooper. \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n \nNEW BEGINNINGS \n \n25 YEARS \nEarnest Whatley Contract Specialist \n20 YEARS \nAlicia McBride Utilities Analyst \n5 YEARS \nPreston Thomas Legal \nCONGRATULATIONS! \n \nPreston Thomas, in the Legal Department, married Sarah \"Mimms\" Hodges, at Perimeter Church. They held their reception at Country Club of the South in Johns Creek. \n \nCommissioner \n \nChuck \n \nEaton and his wife Erika \n \nadopted Lilian Kay Eaton, the \n \ngirl they have been fostering \n \nsince birth. Lily is pictured \n \nwith her parents, her sister \n \nLydia and Judge Bradley Boyd. \n \nThe average person changes jobs 12 times during a lifetime. The average man spends 4.3 years at the same job. The average woman spends 4 years at the same job. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) \nWith so many longtime staffers at the Georgia PSC, this must be a great place to work. \n \nFAREWELL \nPublic Information Officer and Legislative Liaison Bill Edge retired after 18 years with the Georgia Public Service Commission. See story on page 5 \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nMay 2019 2 -- Committee Meetings \n \nJune 2019 1-5 -- SEARUC \n \nJuly 2019 2 -- Administration Session \n \n7 -- Administrative Session \n \n6 -- Administrative Session \n \n4 -- Independence Day \n \n9 -- Committee Meetings \n \n11-12 -- IRP: Rebuttal Testimony 11 -- Committee Meetings \n \n13-16 -- IRP: Staff and intervenor 13 -- Committee Meetings direct testimony \n \n16 -- Administrative Session \n \n16 -- Committee Meetings 21 -- Administrative Session 30 -- Committee Meetings \n \n16 -- Father's Day 18 -- Administrative Session 27 -- Committee Meetings \n \n21-24 -- NARUC \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday, May 27 \n \nThursday, July 4 \n \nMonday, Sept. 2 \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Tom Krause, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \nPage 8 \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore Jason Shaw \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-swinter-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2019 Winter","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2019-01"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2019 Winter"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2019-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nFebruary 2019 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \nCOMMISSION FACES BUSY AND CHALLENGING YEAR \n \nThe Georgia Public Service Commission will face an unprecedented number of major proceedings and rate cases in 2019, beginning with the filing of Georgia Power Company's Integrated Resource Plan on January 31, 2019. Both investor owned utilities, the Georgia Power Company and the Atlanta Gas Light Company, are expected to ask for increases in their base rates. The Commission will also continue to hold hearings on the Plant Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report and conduct hearings on the Atlanta Gas Light Company Capacity Supply Plan and Liberty Utilities' Gas Supply Plan. Liberty Utilities, which serves customers in Columbus and Gainesville, is expected to file a base rate in early 2020 but the preliminary work will begin in 2019. \"Our staff will be pushed and our staff will be challenged,\" said Commission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald. \"Our staff will be occupied with analyzing and reviewing these rate cases, supervising our outside consultants and preparing testimony for \n(Continued on page 3) \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nCommissioner Sworn into Office................ ..................2 2019 Legislative Opens ......3 Staff Participates in NARUC Exchange Program..............4 Holiday Luncheon and Faithful Service Awards....................5 Vehicles Surplused..............6 Farewell to Commissioner Everett..................................7 Commission Calendar.........8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n Commission Faces Busy Year \n Commissioners Take Oath of Office \n Georgia General Assembly Opens for Business \n Commission Staff Takes Part in NARUC Exchange Program \n Plant Vogtle Hearing \n Commission Holds Faithful Service Awards Luncheon \n \nPage 1 \n \n YOUR PAY State Employee W-2s are now available on the Teamworks web site: \nhttps:// hcm.teamworks.georgia \n.gov/psp/empl/? cmd=login \nECHOLS ANNOUNCES 2019 \nCLEAN ENERGY ROADSHOW \n \nCOMMISSIONERS TAKE OATH OF OFFICE \nCommissioners Chuck Eaton \nand Tricia Pridemore took their ceremonial oaths of office during the January 14, 2019 Inaugural Ceremonies for Governor Brian Kemp. Commissioners Eaton and Pridemore and their families were on the official platform along with Commission Chairman McDonald, Vice-chairman Echols and Commissioner Shaw and their families. \nCOMMISSIONER SHAW SWORN IN \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols will his 9th annual Clean Energy Roadshow this year, bringing his informative seminars on clean energy resources and alternative fuel vehicles across the state. This Roadshow tentative schedule is as follows: August 27-Atlanta August 28-Augusta September 24-Albany September 25-Macon October 8-Savannah October 16-Atlanta \n(Continued on page 4) \n \nGovernor Nathan Deal administers the Oath of Office to Commissioner Shaw as his wife, Katy ,and children Anne Harvey and Shelton look on. \nJason Shaw took part in his first Commission meeting on January 3, 2019 after his swearing in by Governor Nathan Deal. Deal appointed Shaw to fill the unexpired term of Doug Everett who retired as of December 31, 2018. Shaw is a native of Lanier County, Georgia in Commission District 1. Commissioner Shaw formerly represented Georgia House District 176 (Atkinson, Lanier, Lowndes and Ware counties) for four terms following his election in 2010 to the Georgia House of Representatives. In the House, he chaired the Legislative Rural Caucus and the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. \n \nPage 2 \n \n 2019 GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OPENS \n \nCOMMISSION CASE SCHEDULE \nFOR 2019 \n \nThe 155th session of the Georgia General Assembly convened on Monday January 14, 2019 with a new Governor, new Lieutenant Governor and 40 freshmen in the House and Senate. The session, as prescribed by the State Constitution, lasts 40 days. This year's session is expected to last through March and probably into April. Among the top issues will be the state's Fiscal Year 2019 Amended Budget, the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, along with rural broadband, rural health care and education. Guiding the House will be Speaker David Ralston and Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones while Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan presides over the Senate along with President Pro Tem Senator Butch Miller of Gainesville. In his first State of the State Address to a Joint Session of the Legislature, Governor Brian Kemp proposed a $3,000 salary increase for teachers and a two percent merit increase for state employees in the state's Fiscal Year 2020 Budget. \n(Continued from page 1) \nthe hearings. Our small staff of utility analysts and engineers as well as support will be incredibly busy.\" The anticipated cases are as follows: Georgia Power Company Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The Company is expected to file its forecast for the Company's projected energy resources needed to serve its customers for the next three years. Once the Commission determines the fee as allowed by statute (O.C.G.A. 46-3A-2(c)) the Commission has 120 days to render a decision. Georgia Power rate case. The Company is expected to file its request for a change in its base rates on July 1, 2019. State law requires the Commission to issue a decision within six months. Georgia Power base rates have been frozen since 2014. \n(Continued on page 6) \n \nApril \nIntegrated Resource Plan (IRP)-April 8-10 \nMay 20th Vogtle Construction \nMonitoring (VCM) Plan \nMay 8-IRP May 13-16 \nJune IRP- June 11-12 VCM-June 27 \nAugust 20th VCM-August 1 \nSeptember AGL Rate Case-September \n10-12 Liberty Utilities Gas Sup- \nply Plan-September 17 AGL Capacity Supply Plan \n-September 18 AGL Capacity Supply and \nLiberty Gas Plan, Special Administrative Session-September 26 Georgia Power (GPC) Rate Case-September 30 \nOctober GPC Rate Case-October 1- \n2 AGL Rate Case-October 23 \n-24 \nNovember GPC Rate Case-November \n4-6 21st VCM-November 12-13 AGL Rate Case-November \n21-22 GPC Rate Case-November \n25-26 \nDecember 21st VCM-December 11-12 \n \nPage 3 \n \n UTILITY STAFF MEMBER SELECTED \nFOR NARUC INTERNATIONAL \nPROGRAM \n \nCOMMISSION PIO PARTICIPATES IN PARTNERSHIP EXCHANGE WITH BANGLADESH ENERGY \nREGULATORY COMMISSION \n \nUtility Analyst Rob Trokey, w ho is cu r rently working in the Electric Unit, has been selected by NARUC to participate in the International Peer Review on Ancillary Services, Direct PPAs and Smart Grids March 10-15, 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam. \nFor more information check out the website: \nWww.Cleanenergyroads how.com \n \nPIO Bill Edge (third from left) with Bangladesh partners and members of the NARUC delegation in Jakarta, Indonesia \nCommission Public Information Officer Bill Edge took part in the NARUC sponsored Partnership Exchange with the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission in Jakarta, Indonesia October 2225, 2018. The participants briefed the Bangladesh participants on Public Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, which included how Commissions engage stakeholders using the internet and communicate rate cases and Commission activities using all forms of communications. The Partnership is sponsored by NARUC and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. \n \nPage 4 \n \nCOMMISSION HOLDS ROUND TWO OF VOGTLE 19 HEARINGS \nThe Public Interest Advocate Staff presented their direct testimony on December 18, 2018 in round two of the 19th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report. Staff witnesses Steve Roetger, Bill Jacobs, Shemetha Jones, Phil Hayet, Cary Cook, Donald Grace and Leah Wellborn testified in support of staff's filed testimony. The Commission is scheduled to issue its decision on February 19, 2019. \n \n COMMISSION CELEBRATES HOLIDAYS AND PRESENTS FAITHFUL SERVICE AWARDS \n \nCONSUMER AFFAIRS MANAGER MAKES PRESENTATION AT ANNUAL \nHEAT MEETING \n \nEveryone enjoyed a wonderful meal following the Faithful Service Award Presentations \n \nThe Commission celebrated the holiday season and honored its long time employees on December 13, 2018 at its annual Holiday and Faithful Service Awards Luncheon. Commissioners delivered remarks and supervisors handed out the awards. Chairman McDonald and Commission Pridemore delivered greetings by video recording while Commissioner Chuck Eaton was the Master of Ceremonies. Former Commissioner Stan Wise came back to bring us his delicious turkey. Then all joined in for a wonderful and sumptuous luncheon to cap off \nthe celebration. Those employees receiving the Faithful Service Awards were: Ten Years: Will Culbreath, David Lewis, Steven Roetger. Fifteen Years: Tonika Starks Twenty Years: Jada Brock, Nancy Gibson, Ann McCullough Twenty-five Years: Sheree Kernizan, Dorothy Buckner, Nancy Tyer, Jamie Barber \nFormer Commissioner Stan Wise (left) and Consumer Affairs Representative Lisa Jensen make last minute checks of the lunch spread \n \nPSC Consumer Affairs Manager Claudette Willingham (above) gave a presentation on how the Commission functions and can assist consumers during the annual meeting of H.E.A.T. on November 7, 2018. H.E.A.T. stands for Heat Energy Assistance Team and is funded through check off contributions on their natural gas bills through the natural gas marketers, Liberty Utilities and the municipal gas systems. Atlanta Gas Light Company President Brian Batson presented a check for $100,000 to be used for heating assistance for this winter season. \n \nPage 5 \n \n STATE HOLIDAYS 2019 \n \nCOMMISSION SENDS OLDER VEHICLES TO SURPLUS \n \nJanuary 1-New Year's Day January 19-State Holiday-(will be observed on Friday, November 29) January 21-Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday February 18-Washington's Birthday (will be observed on Tuesday, December 24) April 22-State Holiday May 27-Memorial Day July 4-Independence Day September 2-Labor Day October 14-Columbus Day November 11-Veterans Day November 28-Thanksgiving Day December 25-Christmas Day \nOTHER DATES TO REMEMBER \nFebruary 14-Valentine's Day March 6-Ash Wednesday March 10-Daylight Saving Times begins April 14-Palm Sunday April 19-Good Friday April 21-Easter Sunday June 6-D-Day June 14-Flag Day September 11-Patriots' Day October 31-Halloween November 1-All Saints Day November3-Daylight Saving Time ends December 7-Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day \n \nIn Fiscal Year 2018, the Facilities Protection Unit purchased and received 12 new vehicles for the Pipeline Safety Inspectors. These vehicles replaced twelve existing vehicles that were sent to surplus. The surplus vehicles included six 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe's, two 2010 Ford Crown Victoria's and four 2008 Chevrolet Impalas. All twelve vehicles were towed from the South Deck Parking to an auction yard. The new fleet is doing great and providing our staff with reliable transportation so they can travel throughout the state to perform their duties. \nCOMMISSION FACES BUSY YEAR \n(Continued from page 3) \nGeorgia Power Vogtle Construction Monitoring (VCM) Report. The Company is expected to file its 20th VCM Report on February 28, 2019. Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) rate case. AGLC is expected to file a base rate case on August 1, 2019. AGLC has not filed a base rate case since 2010. Both the AGL Capacity Supply Plan and Liberties Utilities Gas Supply Plan. These are plans that detail how the utilities will ensure natural gas customers in Georgia have adequate supplies of natural gas to meet their needs. These cases will be heard in the fall of 2019. Liberty Utilities is expected to file a rate case on February 1, 2020. \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n20 YEARS Jeff Stair Attorney \n \nNEW BEGINNINGS \nCongratulations to Irma Ormeno who gave birth to a healthy 8 \npounds 6 ounce baby boy. Santiago Ormeno was born on Saturday, January 12, 2019. Mother and baby are doing well. \nFAREWELL \nPhil Smith who retired from the Commission on March 31, 2018. Phil served as an Attorney and had been with the Commission since 1982. \n \n5 YEARS Faith Henning \nExecutive Assistant \nCONGRATULATIONS! \n \nFAREWELL TO COMMISSIONER EVERETT \n \nChairman McDonald regales the group with his remembrances as Commissioner Everett \nand wife Janice look on \n \nFriends and Commissioners gathered to wish farewell to retiring Commissioner Doug Everett before his last Administrative Session on December 18, 2018. Everett retired from the Commission on December 31, 2018 after serving 16 years on the Commission. He and his wife Janice will live in Albany. Everett has been in public service for more than 40 years, serving on the Albany City Commission and three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives \n \nPRIDEMORE SERVES ON KEMP \nTRANSITION TEAM \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore served on Governor-elect Brian Kemp's transition team. \n \nbefore being elected to the Commission in 2002. He won re-election in 2008 and 2014 by more than 60 percent of the vote. He was a past President of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. We wish Commissioner Everett and Janice all the best in retirement! \n \nThe gathering bids a fond farewell to Commissioner Everett and Janice \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nFebruary 2019 5--Administrative Session 10-13--NARUC \n \nMarch 2019 5--Administrative Session 10-Daylight Saving Time begins \n \nApril 2019 2--Administration Session 11-Committee Meetings \n \n14--Committee Meetings \n \n14--Committee Meetings \n \n16-Administration Session \n \n18--Washington's Birthday 19-Administrative Session 28-Committee Meetings \n \n17 -- St. Patrick's Day 19-Administration Session 28-Committee Meetings \n \n21-Easter 22-State Holiday May 2-Committee Meetings \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday, April 22 \n \nMonday, May 27 \n \nThursday, July 4 \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 \nPhone: 404-651-4501 Fax: 404-656-2341 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer \nPage 8 \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore Jason Shaw \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sfall-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2018 Fall","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2018-10"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2018 Fall"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sfall-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sfall-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nDecember 2018 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \n \nCOMMISSIONERS WIN ELECTIONS \n \nErica, Lydia, Lilly and Chuck Eaton \n \nCommissioner Chuck Eaton won re-election to another six-year term on the Commission in the December 4, 2018 General Election Runoff. He defeated opponent Lindy Miller with about 52 percent of the vote. This will be Eaton's third term on the Commission since being elected in 2006. \n \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore won election to a full six-year term in the November 6, 2018 General Election, defeating opponent Dawn Randolph with just over 50 percent of the vote. She was appointed to the Commission in February 2018 when long time Commissioner Stan Wise resigned from the Commission. \n \nMichael and Tricia Pridemore \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nCommissioner Everett Announces Retirement................ .........2 Commissioners and Staff at NARUC....................................3 Groundbreaking for Georgia's Largest Solar Farm..................4 Three Commissioner Take Office...........................................4 Workshop on the Smart Grid..........................................5 Financial Year End Tips..........5 Welcome New Employees......6 Employee News......................8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n Pridemore attends New Commissioners Forum at NARUC \n Pridemore Selected for Transition Team \n Plant Vogtle Tour \n Plant Vogtle Hearing \n Commissioners Tour Hurricane Ravaged Southwest Georgia \n Chairman McDonald Hosts Florida Commissioner \n \nPage 1 \n \n PRIDEMORE ATTENDS NEW COMMISSIONERS FORUM AT NARUC ANNUAL MEETING \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore was one of ten new state regulators who attended the NARUC New Commissioner Forum on Sunday, November 11, 2018. The session, which was moderated by Idaho Commissioner Paul Kjellander, included an overview of the Association, information on committees, and presentations from NARUC department directors. \nWhat do you get if you cross an IPad with a Christmas Tree? \nA pineapple! \n \nCOMMISSIONER EVERETT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT \n \nL-R Chairman Bubba McDonald, Executive Assistant Lynn Page, Janice Everett, Commissioner Doug Everett \n \nCommissioner Doug Everett of Albany, Georgia announced during the Commission Administrative Session on November 20, 2018 that he will retire from the Georgia Public Service Commission effective December 31, 2018. Commissioner Everett has served on the Commission since January 1, 2003 and is currently in the fourth year of his third sixyear term. The Governor has appointed State Representative James S. \"Jason\" Shaw, Jr. of Lakeland, Georgia to fill Everett's unexpired term which ends December 31, 2020. The new Commissioner will have to seek election to a full six- \n \nyear term in the November \n \n3, 2020 general election. \n \nEverett said, \"It is with a \n \nheavy heart that I announce \n \nthis decision. This Commis- \n \nsion has been like a family \n \nto me. I have not measured \n \nmy life by riches but by \n \nfriendships and in that I am \n \nJanice and Doug Everett \n \ntruly rich. It has been a privilege \n \nand \n \nhonor to serve the people of Georgia.\" \"Commissioner Everett has \n \ndedicated his life to public service and the people of Georgia, both \n \nhere at the Commission, in the Legislature and in the City of Alba- \n \nny,\" said Commission \n \nChairman \n \nLauren \n \n\"Bubba\" McDonald. \"He \n \nwill be missed.\" \"From his \n \ntime serving the city of Alba- \n \nny, to refereeing football \n \ngames, to serving in the legis- \n \nlature and then almost two \n \ndecades on the Georgia Pub- \n \nlic Service Commission, Doug \n \nEverett has been a true public \n \nL-R Commissioners Echols, McDonald, Everett, Eaton and Pridemore \n \nservant,\" said Commission Vice-chair Tim Echols. \n \nPage 2 \n \n COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF TAKE ACTIVE ROLES IN ANNUAL NARUC POLICY SUMMIT \n \nPRIDEMORE SELECTED FOR GOVERNOR ELECT BRIAN KEMP'S TRANSITION TEAM \n \nCommissioner Pridemore (far right) at Governor-elect Kemp's Capitol news conference. \n \nChairman McDonald sings Star Spangled Banner to open the NARUC Annual Meeting \n \nCommissioner Pridemore takes part in the Electric Committee discussion at NARUC \n \nPSC AND LEGISLATIVE STAFF TOUR PLANT VOGTLE CONSTRUCTION SITE \n \nChairman McDonald and Tara Surratt discuss the deregulation of natural gas industry in Georgia \nCommissioners and staff participated in the 2018 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in Orlando, Florida November 11-14, 2018. Commissioner McDonald got the Monday opening session started with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem and then sang a beautiful version of Amazing Grace during the annual remembrance of NARUC members who have passed away during the past year. \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore gave a briefing on Georgia's electric industry in the Electric Committee meeting. \nCommission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Gas Utility Analyst Tara Surratt were part of a panel discussion on the de-regulation of natural gas industry in Georgia during the meeting of the Gas Committee. \n \nL-R John Gunnells, PSC Gas Staff; David Hartman, House Budget Office; Bill Edge, PSC PIO; Samuel Johnson, PSC Gas Staff; Morgan Hall, House Budget Office; Tara Boockholdt, House Budget Office; Dick White, Georgia Power; Marc Vinson, Georgia Power. \n \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSION BEGINS FIRST ROUND OF THE \n19TH VOGTLE CONSTRUCTION \nMONITORING HEARINGS \n \nCOMMISSIONERS PARTICIPATE IN \nGROUNDBREAKING FOR GEORGIA'S LARGEST SOLAR FARM \n \nGeorgia Power's witnesses \nare sworn in to begin their direct testimony \nThe Commission on November 15, 2018 heard from Georgia Power Company witnesses during the first round of hearings on the 19th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report in Docket 29849. The Company is asking the Commission to approve and verify $571 million in expenditures from January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018. There will be additional hearings on December 18, 2018 and January 17, 2019. The Commission is scheduled to issue its decision in this docket on February 19, 2019. \nPSC Commission Faithful Service Awards and Holiday \nLuncheon! December 13th, \n11:00 a.m. \n \nCommission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, ViceChairman Tim Echols and Commissioner Tricia Pridemore took part in the groundbreaking for the 2,000 acre Georgia Solar 4 Farm in Twiggs County on November 8, 2018. The ceremonial groundbreaking brought together state officials, Georgia Power, the Commission, Twiggs County Commission, Origis Energy and First Solar, Inc. representatives to extoll the benefits of the 200-megawatt, GA Solar 4 project as the largest infrastructure project in Twiggs County, the solar facility will create up to 400 construction jobs and provide ongoing tax revenues for the county. \nTHREE COMMISSIONERS TO TAKE OFFICE \nJANUARY 1, 2019 \nFor the first time in more than 80 years, three Commissioners will take office on the same day, on January 1, 2019. Commissioner Chuck Eaton won re-election to his third six-year term while Commissioner Tricia Pridemore won her election to a full six-year term. She was appointed to replace Commissioner Stan Wise who resigned in February 2018. \nJason Shaw will take office on January 1, 2019 to serve out the remaining two years of Commissioner Doug Everett's term. Everett will retire effective December 31, 2018. Shaw is from Lakeland, Georgia and has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2011. \n \nPage 4 \n \n COMMISSION HOSTS WORKSHOP ON THE SMART GRID \nThe Commission on September 12, 2018 hosted a daylong regional workshop on the Framework and Roadmap of Smart Grid Interoperability Standards. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sponsored the workshop, one of four regional workshops to be held around the country. Nearly 40 Commission staff, industry and technology representatives attended the Workshop. Chairman McDonald welcomes Workshop partici- \npants to the Commission \nEERE Manager Jamie Barber takes part in panel on the Benefits of Smart Grid Inoperability \nPSC STAFF JOIN THE KAISER WALK/ RUN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2018 \n \nCOMMISSIONERS TOUR HURRICANE RAVAGED SOUTH- \nWEST GEORGIA \nCommissioners Chuck Eaton and Tricia Pridemore toured southwest Georgia on October 12, 2018 to get a firsthand look at areas devastated by Hurricane Michael. \"You really get a sense when you're in a disaster situation like this how important electricity is. The first thing you do is clear the roads but then the second thing you do is to restore the electricity,\" said Eaton. Pridemore added that, \"It will take years to restore this area to what it was before. There is nothing recoverable when you see the damage.\" The Commissioners viewed the damage both from the air and the ground. \n \nSheree Kernizan and Ben Deitchman \n \nSheree Kernizan and Samuel Johnson \n \nPage 5 \n \n CHAIRMAN MCDONALD HOSTS \nCOMMISSIONER DONALD POHLMANN OF THE FLORIDA PSC \nChairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald hosted Commissioner \n \nWELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES \n \nJohn Gunnells joined the Natural Gas Unit on Sept 1, 2018 \n \nJohn Gunnells was born and raised on a family farm in Ila, GA, and has lived in Atlanta for three years. He possesses a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a M.P.A. from Georgia State University. John's work background is diverse, but most recently he worked on state budget projects as an aide in the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office. In his free time he likes to attend Atlanta United matches, visit family, play lacrosse, eat BBQ, and hang out with his beloved cat Mr. Bojangles. \n \nDonald Pohlmann of the Florida Public Service Commission on September 12, 2018. Commissioner Pohlmann was attending the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) regional workshop here at the Commission. Commissioner Pohlmann has served on the Florida Commission since 2017. \nPage 6 \n \nKenneth Rowe has over 13 years of experience in the natural gas industry. He is excited to apply his skills and knowledge to become an asset to the team. Kenny is thankful for this opportunity and can't wait to see what the future holds. \nKenneth Rowe joined the Pipeline \n \nTimothy Cook joined the EERE group on September 17, 2018 \n \nTimothy Cook grew up in Batavia, NY. He received his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University, and, after a few years living in San Diego, came to Atlanta for a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech. His interests are in power generation and renewable energy. In his spare time, Tim enjoys biking of all kinds, motorsports and cooking . \n \nSamuel Johnson worked in the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts for two years before starting at the PSC. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. Sam is an Atlanta Native and enjoys attending local theatre and restaurants in Downtown Atlanta, where he resides. \n \nSamuel Johnson joined the Natural Gas Unit on Oct 1, 2018 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n25 YEARS \nJamie Barber EERE \n20 YEARS \nJada Brock Operations Support \nAnn McCullough-Henry Electric Unit \n15 YEARS \nTonika Starks Telecom Unit CONGRATULATIONS! \n \nJackson Branch grad- \n \nuated from University of \n \nGeorgia School of Law in \n \n2017 and passed the Tex- \n \nas Bar in July of 2017. \n \nAfter he began working \n \nhere, Jack studied for \n \nand took the July 2018 \n \nGeorgia Bar Exam and \n \nfound out his results on \n \nOctober 26th. \n \nHe \n \nPassed!! \n \nNEW BEGINNINGS \nMonique Andrews in Operations Support has joined the Grandmother Club. Her Goddaughter Janauvia gave birth to Zachariah on October 3rd, 8lbs and 20 inches long. Malachi is a VERY Proud Uncle. \nCONDOLENCES \nMrs. Vivian R. Lewis, the mother of Beverly Franks passed away on September 20, 2018. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this difficult time. \nFAREWELL \nBeverly Franks, Executive Assistant to Commissioner Chuck Eaton is retiring the end of this year. Bev started in Consumer Affairs and became a permanent employee in 2005. She will be missed by the entire PSC family. \nCommissioner Doug Everett is retiring the end of this year. \nSEE PAGE 2 \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nDec 2018 4--Administrative Session 13--Committee Meetings \n \nJan 2019 1--Holiday 3--Administrative Session \n \nFeb 2019 5--Administration Session 10-13--NARUC \n \n13--Commission Faithful Awards 10 -- Committee Meetings and Holiday luncheon \n \n14--Committee Meetings \n \n18--Administrative Session \n \n15--Administrative Session and 19--Administrative Session and \n \nLegislative Affairs meeting \n \nLegislative Affairs meeting \n \n18--Plant Vogtle Hearing 24-25--Holiday \n \n17--Plant Vogtle Hearing 21--Holiday 31--Committee Meetings \n \n28--Committee Meetings \n \n29-- Committee Meetings \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday and Tuesday, Dec 24 and 25 \n \nTuesday, Jan 1 \n \nMonday, Jan 21 \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \nPage 8 \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Doug Everett Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-ssummer-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2018 Summer","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2018-07"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2018 Summer"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-ssummer-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-ssummer-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nAugust 2018 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \nCOMMISSION VERIFIES EXPENSES FOR GEORGIA POWER'S 18TH NUCLEAR PLANT \nVOGTLE CONSTRUCTION MONITORING REPORT \n \nOn August 21, the Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously verified and approved $448 million in expenditures on the Georgia Power Plant Vogtle Construction Project for the reporting period of July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. This decision is not a ruling on whether the expenditures are prudent but only acknowledges that the Company has spent the funds on the project. This decision closes out the 18th Semi-annual Vogtle Construction Monitoring (VCM) Report in Docket 29849. \nAs part of this decision, the Commission accepted both the Public Interest Advocacy Staff and Advisory Staff recommendation that Georgia Power file a more detailed discussion of project risks in their future VCM filings. \n(See page 6) \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nClean Energy Roadshow..........2 Tax Reform Workshop ............2 Pipeline Safety Receives new vehicles............................ ........3 Commissioner Echols at GA Environmental Conference .....3 Human Resources....................4 Solar Project.............................4 SEARUC ..................................5 Plant Vogtle continued............6 Employee News........................7 Calendar and Holidays.............8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n Chairman McDonald sings National Anthem \n Commissioner Pridemore at Cartersville Event \n Public Utilities Fortnightly interviews \n German Consul General \n NARUC \n Employee News \n \nPage 1 \n \n CHAIRMAN MCDONALD SINGS \nTHE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT OPEN- \nING OF SEARUC \n \nCOMMISSIONER ECHOLS WRAPS UP CLEAN ENERGY ROADSHOW TOUR \n \nThe 2018 Clean Energy Roadshow featured a unique partnership \n \nwith the Technology Associ- \n \nation of Georgia and Den- \n \nton's USA LLP of Atlanta. \n \nEach stop also featured a \n \nshowcase of vehicles fueled \n \nby alternative fuel sources, \n \nand then seminars featuring \n \nan in-depth look at the cost \n \nsavings and implementation \n \nconsiderations of switching \n \nto alternative fuels for fleet \n \nand transit operators. Panels \n \nwere grouped by fuel type \n \nand included specialists \n \nfrom Georgia Power, Natural \n \nGas Association of Georgia, \n \nAtlanta Gas Light, Blue Bird \n \nColumbus, Georgia June 6 \n \nBus, Nissan and several elec- \n \ntric vehicle charging and vehi- \n \ncle conversions. This is the 8th year Commissioner Echols has \n \nhosted his Roadshow. \n \nAnd look for him to sing the National Anthem at SunTrust Park for the Braves game Wednesday, September 5! \n \nPipeline Safety staff is investigating a natural gas explosion in Homerville, Georgia on August 17 that injured three people and destroyed a local coffee shop. The cause of the explosion is believed to be natural gas that leaked into a sewer line. \n \nGwinnett Chamber of Commerce, July 17 \n2018 TAX REFORM WORKSHOP \nCommissioner Doug Everett and Chief Financial Officer Terry Pritchett have graciously offered to bring in a tax expert to educate staff on all the changes in the tax laws. Many of you have conveyed your interest so stay tuned for the date in the September timeframe. \n \nPage 2 \n \n PIPELINE SAFETY UNIT RECEIVES \n \nCOMMISSIONER TRICIA PRIDMORE PROMOTES COAL, NUCLEAR POWER AT \nCARTERSVILLE \n \nL-R Joseph Jones, Lynn Buffington, Terry Pritchett, Will Culbreath, Alan Towe, David Lewis, Bill Edge and Jeff Baggett \nThe Commission's Pipeline Safety Unit recently received 11 new vehicles for its inspectors to replace the current high mileage fleet. The new Chevrolet Tahoes are equipped with the latest in emergency equipment to facilitate the inspection of our state's intrastate natural gas pipelines and the investigation of damage to the state's underground facilities. \nSome of the older vehicles will be surplused and sold by the Department of Administrative Services while some will be retained for use by the Facilities Protection investigators. Two of the vehicles will replace aging vehicles currently assigned to the Administration Division. \nCOMMISSIONER TIM ECHOLS SPEAKS AT THE GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE \nThe conference took place August 21-24 on Jekyll Island. Commissioner Tim Echols along with Lynn Smith, Georgia House of Representatives, were the keynote speakers. Both shared the best Georgia has to offer for environmental protection and wise use of our state's natural resources. Echols said \"It's the understanding between people that can help bring focus to environmental issues, especially on the coast.\" \n \nOn August 21, Commissioner Tricia Pridemore addressed the North Georgia Power Connectors luncheon in Cartersville. In her speech, she said \"The state has a very different philosophy on energy production and management than western states like California or Northeastern states like New York in that Georgia prioritizes the diversification of its energy portfolio.\" \n\"Based upon market conditions, we're always in a position to provide the lowest cost energy source to residents, a business or a manufacturing plant,\" She said \"We operate gas plants, nuclear plants and coal plants, including the largest in our fleet right here in Bartow County... There are jobs and economic development attached to every piece of this string. The light bulb represents hundreds if not thousands of jobs all the way down through the process.\" \n \nPage 3 \n \n PUBLIC UTILITIES FORTNIGHTLY \nSPENDS \"A DAY AT THE GEORGIA PSC\" \nChairman McDonald with Steve Mitnick \nPublic Utilities Fortnightly Magazine President and Editor in Chief Steve Mitnick and Editor Angela Hawkinson spent a day and a half at the Commission August 7 and 8 conducting interviews, taking photos \n \nFROM THE DESK OF HUMAN RESOURCES \nWhen I first joined the Public Service Commission I paid $14 for parking and $45 for health insurance. A lot has changed in 22 years. Needless to say, the costs of many things have risen. \nBUT... State employees have a number of benefits at their disposal they often forget to explore. Employees should visit the Team Georgia (www.teamga.gov) website now and then just to Cheryl Dumas check out the many discounts offered. Discounts include tickets to events like the Braves, Hawks and State golf courses and some attractions out of the State. There are discounts for electronics, cell phone service, and of course hotels and car rentals. The latest addition is a member's only rewards program where you can purchase items through payroll deduction. \nwww.teamga.gov \nCOMMISSION APPROVES PILOT SOLAR PROJECT \n \nCommissioner Tricia Pridemore with Steve Mitnick \n \nand gathering information for a profile article on the Commission. This article will be the latest in their ongoing series profiling Commissions across the country for the publication. Commissions profiled have included Florida, Michigan, California, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The article on our Commission is scheduled for the October 1 \nedition. \n \nCommissioner Echols points out a solar Completed pollination project at \n \npanel the at I-85 rest stop \n \nThe Ray rest stop on I-85 \n \nOn August 21, the Commission approved a pilot solar project that will use Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) right of way to finalize a one megawatt project at Exit 14 along Interstate 85 at the U.S. Highway 27 interchange. This pilot is a partnership with GDOT, The Ray and Georgia Power that will provide general benefits to the state and the consumers of Georgia Power. \n\"The portion of interstate 85 in West Georgia known as `The Ray' is a living laboratory for many agencies in our state to explore emerging technology,\" said Commission Vice-chair Tim Echols. \"The solar and pollinator project we approved today may be something that the department of transportation duplicates all over Georgia.\" \n \nPage 4 \n \n SOUTHEASTERN ASSOCIATION OF REGULATORY UTILITY COMMISSIONERS MEET IN CHARLESTON FOR ANNUAL MEETING \nMore than 250 people from 11 southeastern states gathered in Charleston, South Carolina June 11-14, 2018 for the annual Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (SEARUC) meeting. The theme of the gathering was \"Effective Utility Regulation: All in the Public Interest.\" Commissioner Pridemore moderated the session Nuclear Waste,\" Let's Get to It Already! Nuclear Waste Management  Progress and Options\" . The discussion focused on the potential for progress in Congress on used fuel management, including current legislation in the House to move forward on Yucca Mountain and consolidated interim storage and the lessons to be learned from other countries on the options that exist in the long term for establishing a sustainable and efficient back end of the fuel cycle. \nModerator: Tricia Pridemore, Commissioner, Georgia, with Panelists: Katrina McMurrian, Executive Director, Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition; Dr. David Gattie, Associate Professor, College of Engineering, University of Georgia and Mary Pietrzyk, Nuclear Energy Institute. \nRoundtable Discussion  Effective Utility Regulation - How Do We Get it Right? From left to right: Bob Bockman, Commissioner, South Carolina Public Service Commission, Moderator; Panelists: Ken Hill, Commissioner, Tennessee; Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Commission Chair, Georgia; Talina Mathews, Commissioner, Kentucky; Tonya Baer, Public Counsel, Texas Public Utility Counsel. \n \nCommissioner Echols guided the new German Consul General, Dr. Heiki Fuller, on a tour of the Georgia State Capitol, where they are pictured here in the House of Representatives Chamber. \nLIFELINE \nAWARENESS \nWEEK \nThe Commission will join The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the Federal Communications Commission and consumer groups to celebrate National Lifeline Awareness Week September 10-14, 2018. Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service of $9.25 per month for eligible low-income subscribers. Subscribers may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but may not receive a discount on both services at the same time. Lifeline also supports broadband and broadband-voice bundles. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household. \nPage 5 \n \n COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF ATTEND THE NARUC SUMMER \nPOLICY SUMMIT \n \nThe National Associa- \n \ntion of Regulatory Util- \n \nity Commissioners con- \n \nvened July 15-18 for a \n \nseries of meetings that \n \nprovided in-depth anal- \n \nysis of policy issues \n \nthat are relevant to \n \nstate utility regulators, \n \nstakeholder groups and \n \nfederal regulators. The \n \nfocus is to continue \n \nserving the public in- \n \nterest in providing safe, \n \nreliable, and affordable \n \nservice. \n \nCommis- \n \nsioners McDonald, \n \nPridemore and Ev- \n \nerett attended the \n \nsummit in Scottsdale, \n \nArizona while staff who \n \nattended included Ja- \n \nmie Barber, Manag- \n \ner of the Energy Ef- \n \nficiency and Renew- \n \nable Energy unit, \n \nJaney Chauvet, \n \nDhwani Chheda, \n \nand Tara Surratt \n \nfrom the Natural \n \nGas unit. \n \nPLANT VOGTLE (continued from page one) \nThis more detailed discussion will include an up to date analysis of contingency and the quantification of each risk where reasonably estimated. Variances in cost and schedule should be fully quantified in dollars and days and fully explained. \nL-R Commissioner Pridemore, Commissioner Echols, Chair Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Commissioner Eaton and Commissioner Everett \n\"By passing these recommendations, we are requiring more transparency and more detailed information from the Company in future proceedings,\" said Commissioner Doug Everett. \n \nDon't forget to fall back with the time change on Sunday, November 4. \nPage 6 \n \nCommissioner Chuck Eaton visited the construction site near Waynesboro of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 on August 3. He said, \"I'm very happy with the progress that is being made there.\" \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n10 YEARS \nSteve Roetger (9/1) Internal Consultants \n \nNEW BEGINNINGS \n \nSon of Commissioner Tim Echols, John Echols, and Mary Catherine Keith were married on June 16, 2018 at the Hollow at Paris Mountain in Greenville, SC. Congratulations! \n \nCONDOLENCES \n \nFAREWELL \n \nOur condolences to the family of Rozelle Emery Walker, Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald's mother-in-law who passed away in July at the age of 101. Pictured here is the Commissioner's wife Shelley, her daughter Claire, Ms. Walker \"Nanners\" and granddaughter Hailey. \n \nLeslie with Blair Fink \nLeslie Tench in the Natural Gas unit took early retirement on August 6. She will be missed and we wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life. \n \nOur sincerest sympathy goes to Lisa Jensen in Consumer Affairs and her family. Lisa's grandfather, Mr. Rosendo Gomez-Rivera passed away on July 19. He lived in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. \n \nWe also say farewell and best wishes to EERE analyst Jared Bozarth who left us on July 25th for another opportunity. \n \nFranklin \"Lanier\" McClure, father in law of Terry Pritchett, our CFO passed away at the age of 96 on July 19. Mr. McClure lived with Terry and his family for most of this year. Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire family. \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nSept 2018 3 -- Holiday 6-- Administrative Session \n \nOct 2018 2 -- Administrative Session 8-- Columbus Holiday \n \nNov 2018 1--Committee Meetings 6--Administration Session \n \n13--Committee Meetings 18--Administrative Session \n \n11 -- Committee Meetings 16--Administrative Session \n \n12-- Holiday 11-14-- NARUC \n \n27--Committee Meetings \n \n15 --Committee Meetings 20-- Administrative Session 22-23-- Holiday \n \n29-- Committee Meetings \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING \n \nMonday, Sept 3rd \n \nMonday, Oct 8th \n \nWednesday, Oct 31 \n \nMonday, Nov 12th \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \n \nThursday, Nov 22nd \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Doug Everett Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \nPage 8 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sspring-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2018 Spring","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2018-04"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2018 Spring"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-sspring-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nSpring 2018 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \nLegislative Wrap Up \n \nGovernor Nathan Deal signed the Fiscal Year 2019 State Budget, H.B. 684, on May 2, 2018, which includes an additional $231,652 to fund two positions at the Commission. The Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2018 session at midnight on March 29, 2018. \nAmong the other bills which passed this session was S.B. 402 which designates the Georgia Technology Authority to provide grants to local governments to expand broadband throughout rural Georgia. The measure however contains no funding mechanism to provide money for those grants. Lawmakers are expected to address that issue in the 2019 General Assembly. \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nVogtle News ............................2 Dig Safe ....................................2 Older Americans Month.. ........3 EBA panel discussion ..............3 Georgia Focus on Radio...........4 NARUC Subcommittee............5 Grandfather clock repair....... ..5 Pridemore appointed to NGIMP ..................................................5 Low income assistance............6 Employee News........................7 Calendar and Holidays.............8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n Commissioner reduces NCCR fee \n Refunds for Georgia Power customers \n Community Solar visit \n Echols visit to see AP 1000 \n New Employees \n \nPage 1 \n \n COMMISSION REDUCES NUCLEAR \nCONSTRUCTION COST RECOVERY \nFEE \n \nCOMMISSION HOLDS FIRST HEARINGS FOR THE 18TH VOGTLE CONSTRUCTION \nMONITORING REPORT \n \nBeginning April 1, 2018, Georgia Power Company customers will save an estimated $139 million in 2018 following the unanimous Commission decision on March 20, 2018 to the reduce the Nuclear Construction Cost Recover (NCCR) fee in Docket 32539. \n \nThe NCCR is collected from Georgia Power customers to pay the financing cost on the construction of two new nuclear power units at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Georgia. \n \nThe reduced fee is due to two factors: one, the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 to 21 percent; and two, the payment of the remaining parental guarantee by the Toshiba Corporation. \n \nThe reduction will save the average Georgia Power residential customer using 1,000 kilowatts about $1.03 per month. \n \n\"This reduction means \n \nkeeping more money in \n \nthe pockets of Georgia \n \nPower customers,\" said \n \nCommission Chair \n \nLauren \n \n\"Bubba\" \n \nMcDonald. \n \nNews for the next newsletter? Send to Lynn Page... \n \nNARUC President Jack Betoski of Connecticut, Commissioner Stan Wise and NARUC Executive Greg White \nGeorgia Power witness panel takes the stand to present their testimony. L-R: Jeremiah Haswell, Stephen Kuczynski, David McKinney \nThe Commission completed the first set of hearings for the 18th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report on May 2, 2018 as Georgia Power witnesses presented direct testimony in support of the report. The Company is seeking Commission approval of $448 million in expenditures on the Plant Vogtle project from July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. Additional hearings are set for June 27, 2018 and July 26, 2018. The Commission will issue a decision at its August 21, 2018 Administrative Session. \nAPRIL WAS DIG SAFE MONTH \n \nCommission \n \nChairman Bubba \n \nMcDonald (left) \n \nand Commission- \n \ner \n \nTricia \n \nPridemore (right) \n \njoin Governor Na- \n \nthan Deal (center) \n \nCommission staff, \n \nUtility representa- \n \ntives and excavators \n \nin proclaiming April \n \nas Dig Safe Month. \n \nPage 2 \n \n CONSUMER AFFAIRS TEAM PARTICIPATE IN OLDER AMERICANS MONTH \n \nL-R: Lisa Jensen and Stephanie Billups \nimpact exercising and dancing, and a healthy cooking demonstration. \nThe PSC Consumer Affairs team were on hand to assist seniors with their utility questions. \n \nMay was Older Americans Month, and The Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA), in conjunction with Quality Living Services (QLS) hosted their 11th Annual Senior Wellness and Resource Fair on Thursday, April 19th. \nOver 350 seniors attended and participated in health screenings, information dissemination, low- \n \nCHAIRMAN MCDONALD MODERATES PANEL ON \"THE FUTURE OF THE ENERGY \nINDUSTRY\"IN WASHINGTON D.C. \n \nL-R: Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald-GA, Chairman Gladys BrownPA, Commissioner Dan Lipschultz-MN, Commissioner Talina R. MathewsKY and Chairman Swain Whitfield-SC. \n \nCOMMISSION APPROVES ADDITION- \nAL REFUNDS FOR GEORGIA POWER \nCUSTOMERS \n \nThe Commis- \n \nsion on April \n \n3, 2018 unan- \n \nimously ap- \n \nproved $330 \n \nmillion in re- \n \nfunds \n \nto \n \nGeorgia Pow- \n \ner Company \n \ncustomers \n \nover the next three years as a \n \nresult of the lower corporate \n \ntax rate under the Tax Cuts \n \nand Jobs Act (TCJA) which \n \nPresident Trump signed into \n \nlaw on December 22, 2017. \n \nThe first refunds will total \n \napproximately $70 over the \n \nthree year period for a resi- \n \ndential customer using 1000 \n \nkilowatt hours per month. \n \n\"This Commission is pleased to ensure that Georgia Power customers will enjoy the benefits due to the lowering of the federal tax rate,\" said Commission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald. \n \nAn additional $700 million in benefits for Georgia Power customers is being held for the Commission to allocate during the upcoming Georgia Power base rate case in 2019. These monies are deferred income taxes held as a regulatory liability by the Company. \n \nThe Commission action brings to more than $482.6 million in Commission approved refunds and reductions that Georgia Power customers will receive over the next three years. \n \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSION APPROVES SCANA AS REGULATED PROVIDER \nOF NATURAL GAS \n \nCHAIRMAN MCDONALD GOES ON THE AIR AT THE GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK PROGRAM \"GEORGIA FOCUS\" \n \nOn May 1, 2018 the Commission approved natural gas marketer SCANA Energy as the state's regulated provider for another two \n \nyear term. \nThe Georgia Legislature established the regulated provider program in 2002. The Commission administers the program which enables low income natural gas customers to obtain service at lower rates. The regulated provider also provides natural gas service to credit challenged customers who are unable to obtain service from other natural gas marketers. The regulated provider offers service only in those areas served by the Atlanta Gas Light Company distribution area. \n\"The regulated provider enables thousands of lowincome Georgians to enjoy natural gas service at reasonable prices or to obtain service they otherwise could not obtain,\" said Commission Chairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald. \n \nChairman McDonald discusses Safe Digging and Georgia 811. Also on the program from left to right are Roy Rogers (Blount Construction Company) Meghan Wade, President Ga811, Chairman McDonald and John Clark, host of Georgia Focus. \nCOMMISSION STAFF ATTTEND NARUC FINANC- \nING AND ACCOUNTING SUBCOMMITTEE \n \n(L-R) Tom Bond, Ade Adeniyi, Bill Edge \n \nBill Edge \n \nCommission Public Information Officer Bill Edge briefed the NARUC Finance and Accounting Subcommittee on March 8 during their semi-annual meeting in Savannah. Edge updated the group on the Commission's hot topics and current activities. Commission staff members Tom Bond, George Brown and Ade Adeniyi also attended the Subcommittee meeting. \n \nPage 4 \n \n ATLANTA CLOCK ENTHUSIASTS REPAIR PSC GRANDFATHER CLOCK \nAn Atlanta clock club recently repaired and serviced the big grandfather clock that graces the Executive Secretary's Office. State Representative Brooks Coleman, a member of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, led the repair efforts. Coleman says the Commission's clock dates from between 1870 and 1890, making it well over 120 years old, and probably dates back to the establishment of the Commission in 1879. Coleman says his group has repaired a number of the big clocks that belong to the state including one that now sits in the Governor's office that was headed for the trash heap. \"It is in great shape and should last another hundred years,\" said Coleman following the service and repair of the Commission clock. He said the clock probably cost $45 to $75 in the late 1800s but is worth considerably more than that now. Coleman added that at one time the state probably owned several hundred of these grandfather clocks but unfortunately many have been lost. \nNARUC APPOINTS PRIDEMORE TO DOE NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE \nMODERNIZATION PARTNERSHIP \nCongratulations to Commissioner Tricia Pridemore on her appointment to the NARUC DOE Natural Gas Infrastructure \nModernization Partnership Program. (NGIPM) The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners on May 15 appointed new members to its natural gas partnership program with the U.S. Department of Energy. When the NARUC-DOE NGIMP was established in 2016, its membership was assigned two primary goals. The first goal is to facilitate the exchange of information on emerging technologies and investments in natural gas infrastructure modernization. The second goal is to serve as a repository of information on the pipeline replacement and expansion mechanisms available to distribution networks. NGIMP is a cooperative effort that convenes state regulators, federal agencies and other natural gas stakeholders to discuss natural gas pipeline leak detection and measurement tools and identify new technologies and cost-effective practices for enhancing pipeline safety, efficiency and deliverability. \n \nL-R: John Kaduk, Jamie Barber and Jared Bozarth \nThe PSC Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy staff visited the Georgia Power two megawatt (MW) Community Solar Site located in Comer. Georgia Power completed the solar facility in January 2018. It provides energy for the Commission approved Community Solar Program which allows residential customers to support the development of solar power in Georgia. The Commission approved this program in 2017. \nWELCOME SHAUNDRA WORTHY \nShaundra Worthy joins the PSC Consumer Affairs team. She is a graduate of Georgia State University with a BBS degree. Shaundra enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to music. She enjoys motivating, empowering, and uplifting people. \n \nPage 5 \n \n Commissioner Tim Echols visited China May 4-11 to see China's completed AP 1000 reactors and to speak at the Asian Nuclear Business Platform Conference. \"Seeing the reactor in operation helped me know that we can complete our project here in Georgia\", said Echols. \nWELCOME NICK HALL \nNicholas Hall joined the Electric Unit on April 16th. He is originally from Houston, Texas but recently returned to Atlanta for this position. He is a graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. He has industry experience in marketing, sales, and analytics, but he was first exposed to the utility industry by multiple consultants in Texas and Georgia. \n \nCOMMISSION APPROVES LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS \nThe Commission has approved three low-income assistance programs funded by the Universal Service Fund (\"USF\"). The Salvation Army was originally approved in February 2011 and focuses on helping with late bills, deposits, and reconnecting natural gas service. Through March 2018, it has been approved for $1.6 million and it has expended over $1.2 million and served 6,241 low- \nincome customers. \nHopeWorks, formerly Resource Service Ministries, was originally approved in December 2011 to help with the repair or replacement of natural gas furnaces and water heaters for lowincome senior citizens. Through March 2018, it has been approved for $6.3 million and it has expended $5.3 million and served 1,607 low-income senior citizens. \nHeating Energy Assistance Team (\"H.E.A.T\") was originally approved in October 2015 for USF funding to serve low-income customers to help with late bills, deposits, and reconnecting natural gas service. Since October \n2015, it has been approved for $1 million and it has expended $521,316 and served 2,700 low-income natural gas customers. Through March 2018, the Commission has approved $8.5 million in USF funding for these three low-income assistance programs and a total of $7 million that has helped to keep 10,548 low-income customers on Atlanta Gas Light Company's (\"AGLC\") system. This has provided a direct financial benefit to AGLC's revenue requirement, to the bottom line of the natural gas marketers, and a benefit to all customers on the system. The average benefit to each low-income customer has been $700. Since 1998, the Commission has approved a total of $77 million in USF funded low-income assistance not connected to general refunds, the Regulated Provider program, or Social Responsibility Cost payments. Thank you to the Natural Gas Unit here at the PSC for managing such important programs. \nThe PSC on May 15 celebrated Employee Appreciation Day with coffee and donuts for all! \nChairman McDonald and Jamie Barber enjoy the refreshments \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n10 YEARS Allison Morris (6/1) David Lewis (6/1) \nWELCOME JACK BRANCH \n \nNEW BEGINNINGS \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols is \n \nthe proud grandfather of Caeden \n \nJames Truax, his first grandbaby! \n \nCaeden was born on May 2, 2018 \n \nat 8:55am, weighing in at 7 pounds \n \nand reaching 21 inches long. Pic- \n \ntured here are the proud parents, \n \nProud parents TJ and Emily \n \nCommissioner Echols daughter \n \nEmily and her husband TJ. Congratulations!! \n \nMonica Flannagan, Executive Director Deborah Flannigan's daughter, is graduating from Maynard Jackson High School in May. Since the beginning of her junior year Monica has been taking classes at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. She has already earned 60 hours of college credit with a GPA of 3.05 and will complete her Associate of Arts in Mass Communications by the end of the year. She wants to work in the film industry after college. \n \nCONGRATULATIONS! \nSheree Kernizan, Director of the Electric Unit is proud to announce that her son, Marcus Kernizan is engaged to be married to Miss Desirae. Some of you may remember when Marcus interned with the Commission in the Natural Gas Unit. He proposed at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. The couple lives in Boston. Congratulations! \n \nJackson T. Branch was born and raised in Tifton, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia for both his undergraduate and graduate studies earning degrees in Economics and a Juris Doctor respectively. Jackson has studied and trained to go specifically into the utility and energy sectors with courses and experience in Administrative Procedure, Environmental Law, and Corporate Structure. In his free time, Jack enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking new recipes. \n \nCONDOLENCES \nOur thoughts and prayers go to Cheryl Vinson-Dumas on the passing of her husband, Alexander Dumas on March 22, 2018. They were married for 6 1/2 months after a two year courtship but the memories of their happiness live on. \nWe are saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Max Stroev's father who resided in Russia. Our hearts are with Max and his family during this difficult time. \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nJune 2018 5 -- Administrative Session 9-13--SEARUC 14--Committee Meetings 19--Administrative Session \n28--Committee Meetings \n \nJuly 2018 3 -- Administrative Session 4--July 4th Holiday 12--Committee Meetings 15-18--NARUC \n19--Administrative Session \n \nAugust 2018 2--Committee Meetings 7--Administration Session 16--Committee Meetings 21--Administration Session \n30--Committee Meetings \n \nUPCOMING HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS! \n \nFlag Day Thursday, June 14th \n \nSunday, June 17th \n \nWednesday, July 4th \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-656-4501 Toll free: 1-800-282-5813 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Doug Everett Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \nPage 8 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-swinter-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2018 Winter","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2018-01"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2018 Winter"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2018-swinter-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nWinter 2018 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \nMessage from the Chair \n \nChairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, elected as Chair on February 20, 2018 for a 2 year term. \nIt's inevitable that time does not stand still. Even with the departure of a veteran leader, Stan Wise, the charge to this Commission must be to move forward developing policy using experience from our past and visions for Georgia's future. \nChairman Stan Wise takes with him a deep knowledge and experience as a regulator. We say Godspeed. We also welcome a new voice with the appointment of Tricia Pridemore by Governor Deal for the unexpired term. Welcome Commissioner Pridemore. \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nFarewell Commissioner Wise..........................................2 NARUC ....................................3 New Solar Project.. ......... ........4 Commissioner Pridemore........5 Electric Vehicle Day.................5 H.E.A.T Annual Meeting..........6 Georgia Solar Luncheon.......... 6 More Employee News ..............7 Calendar and Holidays............8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n $43.6 million in refunds for Georgia Power customers \n Plant Vogtle news  Fiscal Office flood  Hearing Program expansion \n \nPage 1 \n \n PHOTOS FROM STAFF LUNCHEON \nReece McAlister \nCommissioner Eaton \nLeon Bowles \n \nFAREWELL COMMISSIONER WISE \n \nNARUC honored Commis- \n \nsioner Stan Wise for his \n \n24 years of contributions on \n \nboth the state and federal \n \nregulatory level at its Winter \n \nPolicy Summit February 14, \n \n2018 in Washington, D.C. \n \nNARUC President Jack Be- \n \ntoski, NARUC Executive Di- \n \nNARUC President Jack Betoski of Connecticut, rector Greg White, fellow \n \nCommissioner Stan Wise and NARUC Executive Greg White \n \nCommissioner Lauren \n \nand even his wife Denise \n \n\"Bubba\" McDonald \n \njoined in to \"roast\" Wise \n \nwho is leaving the Commis- \n \nsion after more than 23 \n \nyears in office. \n \nWise served as NARUC \n \nPresident in 2003-2004, \n \nand has chaired the Gas \n \nCommittee for the past sev- \n \neral years. \n \nCommissioner Wise's wife Denise \"roasting\" her husband \n \nLUNCHEON FOR COMMISSIONER STAN WISE \n \nOn February 20 staff gathered to express well wishes for Commissioner Wise as he steps into a new chapter of his life after more than 23 years at the Commission. Many shared memories and great stories. He will be missed! \n \nMichelle Thebert \n \nChairman McDonald \nPage 2 \n \nCommissioner Wise's wife Denise looking on as he speaks \n \nCommissioner Wise and his long time Executive Assistant Sallie Tanner \n \n COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF TAKE PART IN NARUC WINTER POLICY SUMMIT \nCommissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald with Maryland Public Service Commissioner Anthony J. O'Donnell after passage of the NARUC Electric Committee's Nuclear Waste Resolution. NARUC passed a resolution co-authored by Commissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald calling on the federal government to honor its commitment to take nuclear waste from the states. \nJamie Barber, Manager of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Group, moderated a panel on rate design during a session of the Staff Subcommittee on Rate Design. \n. \n \nCOMMISSION APPROVES $43.6 MILLION IN REFUNDS FOR GEORGIA POWER \nCUSTOMERS \nThe Commission on January 16, 2018 unanimously ordered Georgia Power Company to refund its customers $43.6 million. The refunds are the result of the Company earning above its Commission approved return on equity (ROE) for calendar year 2016 under terms of the Commission's order in the 2013 Georgia Power rate case in Docket 36989. The exact amount per customer and the date of the refunds will be determined in a later filing. \n \nBill Edge, Public Information Officer, (second from left) moderated a panel in the Consumers and the Public Interest Staff Subcommittee on Utility Scams and Educating Consumers. \n \nNews for the next newsletter? Send to Lynn Page at: lpage@psc.state.ga.us \n \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSION APPROVES CONTINUED \nCONSTRUCTION OF NUCLEAR POWER \nPLANT VOGTLE PROJECT \nThe Commission December 21, 2017 unanimously approved the continued construction of Georgia Power Company's Plant Vogtle Construction project but established conditions that will reduce the Company's revenue requirement by $1.7 billion during the con- \n \nCOMMISSIONERS ATTEND RIBBON CUTTING FOR NORTHEAST GEORGIA SOLAR PROJECT \n \nstruction and operation of the plant. In its decision on the 17th Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report in Docket 29894, the Commission also ordered Georgia Power to give ratepayers $75 in bill credits by the end of the third quarter in 2018. Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols' motion to impose these conditions received unanimous approval. \nWINTER CAF JR. \n \nChairman Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Vice-Chair Tim Echols participated in a ribbon cutting December 6, 2017 for a community solar project in Comer, Georgia. The Commission originally approved three Megawatts to allow Georgia Power to offer 3,000 blocks of solar energy at a cost of $24.99 per block per month to interested customers beginning January 2018. Two Megawatts have already been built. As of mid-February, 413 blocks have been sold out of the 2,000 available. These projects allow customers who are unable to put rooftop solar on their homes the ability to support solar development in Georgia. \n \nThanks to Quawanda Boyer and contributions from staff, the holiday season was festive and filling! \n \nPage 4 \n \n WELCOME COMMISSIONER PRIDEMORE \n \nCommissioner Tricia \n \nPridemore took her seat on \n \nthe Commission on February \n \n21, 2018. She is a business- \n \nwoman with experience in \n \ntechnology, consulting and \n \nworkforce development and is \n \na co-founder of Accucast, a \n \nsoftware company. Pridemore \n \nis the former executive direc- \n \ntor of the Governor's Office of \n \nWorkforce Development and \n \nhelped to establish Georgia's \n \nskilled trade initiative, which \n \nencourages workforce growth \n \nin the fields of energy, trans- \n \nportation and construction. \n \nShe is a former member of the \n \nGeorgia World Congress Cen- \n \nter Authority Board of Gover- \n \nGovernor Nathan Deal administers the \n \nnors and the Cobb-Marietta \n \noath of office to Commissioner Tricia Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Au- \n \nPridemore as her husband Michael thority. Pridemore was a member \n \nlooks on \n \nof Deal's 2011 transition team \n \nand co-chaired Deal's Inaugural \n \nCommittees in 2011 and 2015. She earned a bachelor's degree \n \nfrom Kennesaw State University. \n \nPridemore and her husband, Michael, reside in Marietta and attend Mount Paran Church in Atlanta. \n \nCOMMISSIONER ECHOLS JOINS IN ELECTRIC CELEBRATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL \n \nCommissioner Tim Echols joined with lawmakers and other advocates for electric vehicles on January 25, 2018 for EV Day at the Capitol. EV advocates are supporting legislation to lower the road fee on electric vehicles and reinstate the state income tax credit for purchasing an EV. \n \nFISCAL OFFICE FLOOD \nThe great Fiscal Office flood occurred on January 2, 2018 around 5:20 p.m. Angela was in the office and called me on my cell. I called the GBA emergency number and they were there in 10 minutes to turn off the water. We made arrangements for Winifred to work from home while Monique moved Angela's equipment into a conference room for a few days until we received an all clear. The Georgia Building Authority patched and painted all the walls and the furniture was put back in place. It was not the worst flood we have had at the Commission during the past few years but it did get our attention and disrupted the Fiscal Office. Now we move on to spring but I have it from a good source that winter will be back. Thanks Commissioner Everett for the heads up!! By Terry Pritchett \n \nPage 5 \n \n COMMISSION APPROVES EXPANSION OF HEARING PROGRAM TO SERVE MORE CHILDREN AND \nADULTS \nMore children and adults will be able to take advantage of the Commission managed Hearing Aid Distribution Program after the Commission voted December 5, 2017 to renew its contract with the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation (GLLF). \nThe GLLF operates the program under Commission supervision. The new contract includes a revised cost-based reimbursement structure for devices and a continuance of the flat-fee reimbursement for providers along with separate line items for administra- \n \nH.E.A.T. ANNUAL MEETING \nCommission Chairman Stan Wise represented the Commission at the annual meeting of H.E.A.T., Heating Energy Assistance Team, on November 8, 2017. H.E.A.T provides assistance for energy bills through a check off on natural gas bills. Southern Company Gas presented a check for $180,000 to H.E.A.T. Pictured with the Commissioner are Vernon Lee, H.E.A.T. Board of Directors (Left), and Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light, Chattanooga Gas and Florida City Gas, and senior vice president for Southern Compa- \nErica Wilson was recently promoted from an Administrative Assistant in Consumer Affairs to an Analyst in Telecom. She started with the commission on September 16, 2011, was promoted to Administrative Assistant in 2016 and is now promoted again! Congratulations for a job well done Erica. \n \ntive and outreach programs. \nThis revised reimbursement structure will allow for the reduction of client copay rates in order to make the program more accessible to families in need and expand services to rural Georgia. \n \nGEORGIA SOLAR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON \n \nJamie Barber, Manager of the ERRE Unit was named a Finalist for the 2017 Solar Advocate of the Year award. Commissioner McDonald was in attendance to introduce her and present the award. Congratulations! \n \nL-R Don Moreland, Commissioner McDonald and Jamie Barber \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n \nSEASON FOR ENGAGEMENTS \n \nSheree Kernizan and son Marcus. \n \nDorothy Buckner (4/16) Telecom \nNancy Gibson (3/1) \nHAPPY TRAILS Farewell to Rachel Perry in the Telecom Unit. Rachel retired January 31, 2018 after 30 years of service. We will miss her and wish her relaxation and joy in her next adventures. \nCONDOLENCES Our prayers and thoughts go out to Reece McAlister, Executive Secretary for the loss of his mother, Brenda Joyce McAlister on January 3, 2018. If you view the tribute video that Pat Welcome sent out, you will see just where Reece's infectious smile comes from! \n \nMikey and Eboni \nSheree Kernizan, Director of Electric Unit is welcoming another member to the family. Her son Michel (Mikey) proposed to Eboni in Dallas Texas on January 12th. Sheree and her other son, Marcus surprised them by being there to witness this special occasion. She said YES! You may recognize Mikey and Marcus as they once interned here at the commission. \nCongratulations to Staff Attorney Preston Thomas on his engagement to Mimms Hodges. He proposed to Mimms on New Years Eve while vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado. And... She said YES! too. \n \nFAITHFUL SERVICE AND HOLIDAY LUNCHEON \n \nHoliday music by Bill Edge, Will Culbreath, Commissioner McDonald, Dona Cucich and Alan Towe \n \nThe Commission recognized the service of its faithful personnel and celebrated the holiday season with an awards program and luncheon on December 20, 2017. Commissioners and staff contributed food/funds to make it an awesome feast! \n \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nMarch 2018 1 -- Committee Meetings 6 -- Administrative Session 15--Committee Meetings 20--Administrative Session \n29--Committee Meetings \n \nApril 2018 3 -- Administrative Session 12--Committee Meetings 17--Administrative Session 23--Holiday \n26--Committee Meetings \n \nMay 2018 1- Administrative Session 10 -- Committee Meetings 15-- Administrative Session 28--Memorial Day \n31--Committee Meetings \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday, April 23rd \n \nMonday, May 28th \n \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \n \nCOMMISSIONERS \nLauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Doug Everett Chuck Eaton Tricia Pridemore \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \nPage 8 \n \n "},{"id":"dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2017-ssummer-belec-p-btext","title":"The PSC pulse, 2017 Summer","collection_id":"dlg_ggpd","collection_title":"Georgia Government Publications","dcterms_contributor":null,"dcterms_spatial":["United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018"],"dcterms_creator":["Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_date":["2017-07"],"dcterms_description":["Began with: Volume 16, Issue 4 (fall 2016).","Numbering drops off in 2018. May be some irregularities in enumeration.","Continues a resource called: GPSC news; Unable to determine whether that title ceased in print prior to 2016 and became online-only.","Volume 16, issue 3 (summer [2016]) (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov); title from PDF caption (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021).","Spring 2020 (harvested on July 16, 2020 from psc.ga.gov) (Georgia Government Publications database, viewed February 23, 2021)."],"dc_format":["application/pdf"],"dcterms_identifier":null,"dcterms_language":["eng"],"dcterms_publisher":["Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia. Public Service Commission"],"dc_relation":null,"dc_right":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"dcterms_is_part_of":null,"dcterms_subject":["Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals"],"dcterms_title":["The PSC pulse, 2017 Summer"],"dcterms_type":["Text"],"dcterms_provenance":["University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library"],"edm_is_shown_by":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/do:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2017-ssummer-belec-p-btext"],"edm_is_shown_at":["https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_i-ga-bp800-b-pp1-bp8-b2017-ssummer-belec-p-btext"],"dcterms_temporal":null,"dcterms_rights_holder":null,"dcterms_bibliographic_citation":null,"dlg_local_right":null,"dcterms_medium":["periodicals"],"dcterms_extent":null,"dlg_subject_personal":null,"iiif_manifest_url_ss":null,"dcterms_subject_fast":null,"fulltext":"Georgia Public Service Commission \n \nSummer Volume 18, Issue 3 \n \nThe PSC Pulse \nSEARUC IN GEORGIA \n \nOpening session: some of the GA PSC staff \nMore than 250 people gathered at beautiful Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia June 11-14, 2017 for the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners under the theme \"Leading the Way-Nuclear, Solar, and Leadership.\" SEARUC President Stan Wise of Georgia presided over the meeting. \nThe gathering heard from keynote speakers Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Colette Honorable and Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Conference sessions included a range of panels covering Nuclear Energy, Broadband, Renewable Energy, Water, Natural Gas, Solar Energy, Natural Gas Infrastructure and \nContinued on page 2 \n \nINSIDE THIS ISSUE \nSEARUC................................1-2 Echols Appointment ...............3 NARUC.................. ......... ........3 Plant Vogtle Review.................4 Robins Air Force Base .............4 Solar Power Summit................5 Finance Corner ........................5 Pipeline Safety .........................6 International Visitor Leadership ..................................................6 More Employee News..............7 Calendar and Holidays............8 \nSPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST \n EPD Town Hall Meeting  Award received  Dig Safely Month  At the Whitehouse  Announcements throughout \n \nPage 1 \n \n ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION HOSTS ALBANY \nTOWN HALL MEETING \n \nSEARUC (CONTINUED) \nPipeline Safety as well as a discussion of the Trump Administration's effect on utility strategic planning. One of the panel sessions included \"Nuclear: Where Do We Go From Here?\" which Commissioner Stan Wise served as moderator. \n \nCommissioner Doug Everett attended one of several town hall meetings hosted by the Environmental Protection Division. The EPD was seeking input from citizens regarding the Plant Mitchell closing, specifically concerning how the utility plans to deal with the almost two million tons of coal ash waste stored in the plant's three coal ash ponds. \n \nL-R Jeff Baggett, Michelle Theibert, Jack Hudson, Daphne Jones and Tom Bond \n \nOfficials from the Georgia Power Company, the Nuclear Energy Institute and the University of Georgia took part in a panel discussion on the issues facing new nuclear reactors in Georgia and South Carolina, and the long term prospects for \n \nCommission Chair Stan Wise moderates panel \n \ndeveloping nuclear technology and integrating the lessons learned from the current new nuclear projects. \n \nPlant Mitchell \n \nCommissioner Bubba McDonald on panel \nAnother panel session \" Solar: Solar, Solar, Where Art Thou Solar?\" was moderated by Ed Finley of the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission. The panel included our own Commissioner Bubba McDonald and representatives of the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), Duke Energy and Strata Solar who discussed the different ways that solar power is growing across the Southeast. \n \nRob Trokey, Electric Unit, enjoying the Welcome Reception \n \nPage 2 \n \n COMMISSIONER TIM ECHOLS APPOINTED AS VICECHAIR OF NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL UTILITY REGULATORS ASSOCIATION \nNational Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) appointed Commissioner Tim Echols as Vice-chair of the Nuclear Issues-Waste Disposal Subcommittee. NARUC President Robert Powelson of Pennsylvania announced the appointment on April 21, 2017. \nEchols succeeds Commissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald as Vice-chair of the subcommittee. NARUC has also appointed Commissioner Echols to the Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment. \n \nCHERYL VINSON RECEIVES AWARD FOR HER PERFORMANCE IN \nTHE FY2017 HUMAN RESOURCES \nASSESSMENT \n \nCOMMISSIONERS AND STAFF ATTEND NARUC SUMMER POLICY SUMMIT \nCommissioners and staff attended the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Summer Policy Summit held this summer in San Diego, California. The NARUC Policy Summit was four days of fo- \ncused discussions on energy, telecommunications and other utility issues. President Robert F. Powelson, of Pennsylvania, presided over the event and served as moderator for the opening general session, which focused on innovative technologies across energy sectors. Representatives from American Water, the Nuclear Energy Institute, PG\u0026E Corporation and Sunrun offered various sector-focused perspectives. \nCommissioners Wise, Everett and McDonald at the Policy Summit \nOther general sessions under scored the importance of innovation, the state of America's infrastructure and bringing veterans into the utility work space. Our own Bill Edge won the NARUC app contest with the most points and received a $150 Visa gift card! \nPresident Powelson of NARUC and Bill Edge, Public Information Officer of GPSC. \n \nTerry Pritchett, Chuck Eaton, Cheryl Vinson and Christopher Nunn \nOn May 12, Our very own Human Resources Officer, Cheryl Vinson accepted the Human Resources Assessment Award presented by the Department of Administrative Services. Thanks to her involvement, the GPSC has shown itself as a model for others to follow in Classification Management. Her diligence in ensuring effective implementation of HR policies and practices help our organization attract, develop and retain the talent needed to realize our core mission. Well done Cheryl! \nNext Issue: \nNovember 2017 \nDon't' forget to send us news as you get it! \n \nPage 3 \n \n COMMISSION TAKES PART IN PROCLAMATION FOR DIG SAFELY \nMONTH \nCommissioners Stan Wise, Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, and Doug Everett joined Governor Nathan Deal in proclaiming April 2017 as \"Dig Safely Month in Georgia\" for a photo op at the State Capitol. Also taking part were Commission staff members Bill Edge, Marilyn Morris, Lynn Page and Ben Stair. \nCONDOLENCES \nOur heartfelt sympathy goes out to Janice Sears in Natural Gas and Stephanie Sears in Consumer Affairs in the passing of Michael Patterson on May 21. Michael was Janice's dear brother and Stephanie's Uncle. \nCathy Nesbitt, Assistant in GUFPA lost her mother Christine Marie Whitney on April 30. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family as they go through this difficult time. \nPage 4 \n \nCOMMISSION VERIFIES EXPENSES FOR GEORGIA POWER'S 16TH NUCLEAR PLANT VOGTLE \nCONSTRUCTION MONITORING REPORT \n \nThe Commission on August 15 requires the Company to address \n \ntook two actions related to the 14 issues listed in the motion. \n \nPlant Vogtle Nuclear Power Con- Among the questions the motion \n \nstruction Project. First, the Com- asks the company to address are: \n \nmission ap- \n \n1. Should the \n \nproved $222 \n \nCommission \n \nmillion in \n \nverify and \n \nexpenditures \n \napprove ex- \n \non the Pro- \n \npenditures \n \nject for the \n \nmade be- \n \nperiod July \n \ntween Janu- \n \n1, 2016 \n \nary 1st and \n \nthrough De- \n \nJune 30th? \n \ncember 31, \n \n2. What is the \n \n2016. Total capital costs of \n \nVogtle Unit 3 containment vessel \n \ncompany's new estimate to \n \nthe project are $3.68 billion as of complete the project and what is \n \nDecember 31, 2016. In a related the new schedule for commercial \n \nissue, the Commission approved operation of the two units if the \n \non a vote of 4-1 a motion by Com- Commission decides to go forward \n \nmission Chairman Stan Wise with one or both units? Georgia \n \nwhich requires Georgia Power Power is expected to file its 17th \n \nCompany to file in the Company's Vogtle Construction Monitoring \n \nnext Vogtle Construction Monitor- report later this month on August \n \ning Report the Company's inten- 31. \n \ntion to proceed with the Plant \n \nVogtle construction project. It also \n \nCOMMISSIONERS ATTEND GROUNDBREAKING FOR ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE SOLAR FACILITY \n \nCommissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald and Commis- \n \nsioner Doug Everett joined representatives from Georgia Power, \n \nRobins Air Force \n \nBase, local business \n \nand government for \n \na news conference \n \nat the Robins Muse- \n \num of Aviation on \n \nMay 17 to announce \n \nthe approval of the \n \nWarner Robins Air \n \nForce Base Solar \n \nFacility. The Com- \n \nmission on May 17 \n \nunanimously ap- \n \nL-R Norrie McKensie, Commissioner McDonald and \n \nproved the largest \n \nCommissioner Everett \n \nsolar facility in Geor- \n \ngia that will provide \n \npower to a Georgia military base. The Commission has been instru- \n \nmental in approving more than 2500 Megawatts of solar power to \n \nGeorgia Power's portfolio. \n \n STAFF PARTICIPATES IN SOLAR POWER SUMMIT \n \nOn May 11 Jamie Barber, Manager of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Commission, attended the Solar Power Southeast Summit held at the Lowes Atlanta Hotel. She participated in a panel discussion on Distributed Generation and Net Metering. \n \nJamie Barber (arrow) takes part in panel discussion \n \nCOMMISSIONER MCDONALD'S \nINVITATION TO THE WHITE HOUSE \n \nTHE FY 2017 BOOKS HAVE BEEN CLOSED FOR THE PSC! \nAngela Hwang and Winifred Gaines did a great job closing the books and making sure all the expenses were booked properly. You probably wonder what we actually do besides travel vouchers and issue checks. \nThe PSC maintains four sets of books: Administration, Facility Protection, Utilities Regulation and overall Agency. We book the expenses in 30 different `Object Classes' or categories and have three Revenue streams to support our Commission (State, Terry Pritchett, CFO Federal and Other). The Expenses can not exceed our Revenues. \nThe total expenses for FY2017 were $10,948,399. \nPersonnel Services for our Staff were $9,140,610 (83.5 %). We had 82 Staff members on June 30, 2016 and we closed out FY 2017 with 80 staff members. During FY 2017, we hired 5 employees and 7 left the PSC. \nBuilding Rent was $670,072 (6.1%), $360,928 (3.3%) for the STARS program funded by Bonds leaving $776,789 (7.1%) for all other expenses. \nRevenues were $9,121,934 (State), $1,333,900 (Federal) and $493,226 (Other). When everything was balanced to the `penny' we had $661 of surplus State Funds that will be returned to the State Treasury. \nWe are now in to FY2018 with eleven months to go before we perform the next annual closing! \nThanks! \nTerry \n \nOn June 28th, Commissioner Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald attended an Energy meeting in D.C. at the request of President Trump, Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Administrator Scott Pruitt of the Environmental Protection Agency. Senior White House staff and members of the President's cabinet \nmet with Governors, state officials and tribal leaders to discuss removing burdensome regulations that hinder energy infrastructure growth and to encourage energy development. \n \nPage 5 \n \n COMMISSION HOSTS GATHERING OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PIPELINE \nSAFETY REPRESENTATIVES \n \nIn June, Commissioner Doug Everett is shown here with Fred Sumter visiting the Georgia Power Flint River Hydro Plant. MONIQUE'S LITTLE \nSTAR MALACHI \nMany of you may see Monique Andrew's little guy Malachi in the office on any given day. His smile is infectious and he definitely has a spring in his step! Malachi, now 7, has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. He is currently on the Rookie League Milford Orioles as the 3rd baseman and catcher while Mom Monique is the team Mom! \n \nThe Commission hosted the Southern Regional Annual Conference of the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives (NAPSR) in Savannah on April 24-28, 2017. Commission Chairman Stan Wise and Commission Pipeline Safety Director Michelle Thebert welcomed the attendees to the conference. Those in attendance heard reports from the states in the southeastern region, attended workshops on safety, risk management and received the latest developments and initiatives in pipeline safety on both the national and state level. Federal officials from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration also provided updates. \nWE HAVE A NEW FACE ON THE TEAM! \nWelcome new employee Dhwani Chheda to the Natural Gas unit as a Financial Analyst. \nCOMMISSIONER WISE WELCOMES THE \nINTERNATIONAL VISITOR LEADERSHIP \nPROGRAM MEMBERS \nIn May, Commission Chairman Stan Wise welcomed visitors from nine different countries including Israel, Egypt, Malawi. The discussion centered around the review of U.S. national energy and climate policy challenges and international cooperative efforts to develop secure and transparent global energy markets. The group also discussed state and local energy initiatives that use alternative energy technologies to promote U.S. energy independence and responses to the impacts of climate change. \n \nPage 6 \n \n HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! \n30 YEARS Rachael Perry (10/1) \nTelecom \n20 YEARS Winifred Gaines (11/16) \nAdministration \n15 YEARS John Kaduk (9/1) \nEERE \n10 YEARS Daphne Jones (9/1) \nPipeline Safety \nChris Swann (9/1) Pipeline Safety \nTara Surratt (10/1) Natural Gas \nFAREWELL AND WELCOME \n \nKrystle Edge, daughter of Public Information Officer Bill Edge, and Johnathan Chase were married on April 25, 2017, at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth, Georgia. \nStephanie Sears, Consumer Affairs, was married on July 17, 2017. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Billups! Janice Sears, Assistant in Natural Gas is the proud mother of Stephanie. \nCeleste Brewster, daughter of Tonika Starks, graduated Langston Hughes High School and is attending the University of West Georgia for Nursing. \n \nBethany Walker, Assistant to Commissioner Tim Echols left the commission to take a position in the corporate world. We will miss her and wish her all the best. \nFaith Henning returned as Commissioner Tim Echols Assistant and we are excited to have her back! \n \nYolanda Clay's \n \ndaughter Nadia will \n \nbe attending Brenau \n \nUniversity Women's \n \nCollege. \n \nShe re- \n \nceived partial schol- \n \narships for track and \n \nacademics and plans \n \nto major in the \n \nNursing/PreMed pro- \n \ngram. \n \nOnterio Johnson's oldest daughter Jelani Johnson is now attending Graduate school at Auburn University majoring in Audiology. His youngest daughter Courtney Johnson will be attending the University of South Alabama majoring in Speech Pathology. \nPage 7 \n \n COMMISSION CALENDAR \n \nAugust 2017 1-- Administrative Session 10-- Committee Meetings \n \nSeptember 2017 4-- Holiday 5--Administrative Session \n \nOctober 2017 3--Administrative Session 9--Holiday \n \n15-- Administrative Session 31-- Committee Meetings \n \n14--Committee Meetings 19--Administrative Session 28--Committee Meetings \n \n12--Committee Meetings 17--Administrative Session \n \nHOLIDAYS COMING UP! \n \nMonday, September 4th \nGeorgia Public Service Commission 244 Washington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Phone: 404-651-4501 www.psc.state.ga.us \nThe Public Information Office publishes The PSC Pulse for the Georgia Public Service Commission. Information for The PSC Pulse should be sent to the attention of Bill Edge, Public Information Officer or Lynn Page, Newsletter Editor. \nPage 8 \n \nMonday, October 9th \nCOMMISSIONERS Stan Wise , Chairman Tim G. Echols, Vice Chair Lauren \"Bubba\" McDonald, Jr. Doug Everett Chuck Eaton \nExecutive Director: Deborah Flannagan Executive Secretary: Reece McAlister \n \n "}],"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":2,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":14,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false},"facets":[{"name":"type_facet","items":[{"value":"Text","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":16,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"creator_facet","items":[{"value":"Georgia. Public Service Commission","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"subject_facet","items":[{"value":"Georgia Public Service Commission--Periodicals","hits":14},{"value":"Public utilities--Georgia--Periodicals","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"location_facet","items":[{"value":"United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"year_facet","items":[{"value":"2018","hits":4},{"value":"2017","hits":3},{"value":"2019","hits":3},{"value":"2016","hits":2},{"value":"2020","hits":2}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":100,"offset":0,"prefix":null},"min":"2016","max":"2020","count":14,"missing":0},{"name":"medium_facet","items":[{"value":"periodicals","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"fulltext_present_b","items":[{"value":"true","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":100,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"rights_facet","items":[{"value":"http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"collection_titles_sms","items":[{"value":"Georgia Government Publications","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"serial_titles_sms","items":[{"value":"Public Service Commission pulse","hits":14},{"value":"The PSC pulse.","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"provenance_facet","items":[{"value":"University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":11,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"call_numbers_sms","items":[{"value":"P800 .P1 P8","hits":14},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2016/FALL","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2016/SUMMER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2017/SPRING","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2017/SUMMER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2017/WINTER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2018/FALL","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2018/SPRING","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2018/SUMMER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2018/WINTER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2019/FALL","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2019/SPRING","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2019/WINTER","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2020/SPRING","hits":1},{"value":"P800 .P1 P8 2020/WINTER","hits":1}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":100,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"class_name","items":[{"value":"Item","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":100,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"geojson","items":[{"value":"{\"type\":\"Feature\",\"geometry\":{\"type\":\"Point\",\"coordinates\":[-83.50018, 32.75042]},\"properties\":{\"placename\":\"United States, Georgia\"}}","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"index","limit":-2,"offset":0,"prefix":null}},{"name":"placename","items":[{"value":"United States, Georgia","hits":14}],"options":{"sort":"count","limit":100,"offset":0,"prefix":null}}]}}