| 12/14/2011 |
Commission Approves Innovative Rate Adjustment Mechanism for Atmos EnergyATLANTA, December 14, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today approved an innovative Georgia Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) for Atmos Energy Corporation that will reduce rates by $800,000 or about $12.50 for each residential ratepayer in 2012. The Commission unanimously approved a stipulation or settlement between Atmos and Commission Staff in Docket 34734 that is unique to natural gas regulation in Georgia. Georgia law allows the Commission to adopt alternative forms of regulation for natural gas utilities in Georgia |
| 12/13/2011 |
Commission Clarifies Assistance for Low Income Natural Gas CustomersATLANTA, December 13, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today clarified how eligible low income natural gas customers will receive assistance in paying their winter heating bills. Those natural gas consumers who are in Group 1 of the Regulated Provider will automatically receive the $160 credit on their natural gas bill in the December–January billing cycle. Group 1 customers of the Regulated Provider are those customers who have already been referred to the Regulated Provider through the Georgia Department of Human Services. |
| 12/6/2011 |
Commission Approves Assistance for Low Income Natural Gas Customers;Contact Natural Gas MarketerATLANTA, December 6, 2011 – Help is available for as many as 60,000 low income natural gas households in paying their winter heating bills following the Georgia Public Service Commission unanimous vote today to approve the distribution of approximately $10 million to low income senior natural gas customers and low income customers in Group 1 with the Regulated Provider. The assistance will be distributed beginning with the December- January period as a one-time credit of up to $160 on customers’ bills. The grants will be disbursed from the natural gas Universal Service Fund and only those customers in the Atlanta Gas Light Company distribution area are eligible. |
| 11/1/2011 |
Commission Approves Proposal for Compressed Natural Gas Fueling StationsATLANTA, November 1, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today took the first step towards incentivizing the construction of a network of Compressed Natural Gas fueling stations around the state. The Commission adopted by a vote of 4-1 a revised plan that allows Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) to use $11.57 million from the Universal Service Fund (USF) to provide funds for compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment for private investors who build CNG fueling stations. |
| 10/18/2011 |
Commissioner McDonald Calls for Study of Renewable Portfolio Standards to Improve Development of Solar EnergyAtlanta, October 18, 2011 – Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. today issued the following statement during the Commission’s Administrative Session: " It's important for us as Georgians and as the Georgia Public Service Commission to be aware of industry news and trends. In light of the recent negative press regarding Solyndra and SunPower, two solar companies here in America, I'd like to address the facts and assess their relevance to Georgia, the Public Service Commission and our planning for a cleaner energy future. |
| 10/14/2011 |
Commission Asks Legislature to Remove Sales Tax from Energy Used in Manufacturing
ATLANTA, October 14, 2011—Citing lost jobs and an inability to compete with its neighboring states, the Georgia Public Service Commission is asking the Georgia General Assembly to consider removing sales tax on energy sales used in manufacturing during the 2012 Legislative Session. The Commission unanimously approved a letter to be sent to all legislators
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| 9/8/2011 |
Commission Kicks Off Lifeline Linkup Awareness Week, September 12-18, 2011ATLANTA, September 8, 2011 –The Georgia Public Service Commission is kicking off Lifeline Link-Up Awareness Week as part of a national effort to raise awareness among Georgians about this tremendous benefit. Governor Nathan Deal joined Commission Chairman Stan Wise, Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr., Commission staff and representatives from the Georgia Telephone Association and AT&T in proclaiming September 12-18, 2011 as Lifeline Linkup Awareness in Georgia |
| 9/7/2011 |
Commission Announces Outstanding Response to Notice of Intent for Large Scale Solar Project BidsATLANTA, September 7, 2011 – The response to the Georgia Public Service Commission’s announcement to submit a notice of intent to participate in Georgia Power Company’s Large Scale Solar (LSS) offering has been outstanding. Nearly 150 applications were submitted through the Commission’s website which would provide approximately 67 million kilowatt hours of clean solar energy to Georgia Power customers. According to the Commission’s order of August 2, 2011, the LSS will provide up to 50 Megawatts of total generation capacity. |
| 8/31/2011 |
Commissioner Tim Echols Releases Synopsis of Spent Nuclear Fuel Management SymposiumATLANTA, August 31, 2011 – Commissioner Tim Echols recently conducted a symposium at Georgia Tech on Spent Nuclear Fuel Management and today releases the synopsis of the event for those who were unable to attend. “This event provided an opportunity for experts to discuss what I believe is the most important energy question of our lifetime,” said Echols. “We must change our approach to nuclear waste so that we can recover the remaining energy and decrease the amount of final waste.” |
| 8/2/2011 |
PSC Approves Agreement in Plant Vogtle Construction Monitoring DocketATLANTA, August 2, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission at its Administrative Session today unanimously adopted a proposed settlement that resolves the mechanism for dealing with any potential construction cost overruns at the Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle construction project in Waynesboro, Georgia in Docket Number 29849. |
| 7/18/2011 |
Commission Staff and Georgia Power File Proposed Settlement in the Risk Sharing Mechanism Case for Plant Vogtle Nuclear Power Construction ProjectATLANTA, July 18, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission’s Public Interest Advocacy Staff and the Georgia Power Company today filed a proposed settlement seeking to resolve the mechanism for dealing with any potential construction cost overruns at the Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle construction project in Waynesboro, Georgia in Docket 29849. |
| 6/30/2011 |
PSC Warns Public About H & W Tour, Inc., Feds Shut Down Bus Company on June 30, 2011ATLANTA, June 30, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today noted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration today issued a cease and desist order to H & W Tour Inc. of Doraville, Georgia, after finding the company posed an imminent hazard to public safety. The federal cease and desist order was issued following a compliance review by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspectors that found that H & W Tour, Inc., continued transportation of passengers without federal operating authority and without the required level of insurance. According to the FMCSA, the company: 1. failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests on its drivers and failed to institute a random drug and alcohol testing program as required by federal regulations; 2. failed to ensure that its drivers comply with hours-of-service requirements, records of duty requirements and driver qualification requirements and; 3. buses were not properly inspected, maintained or repaired by the company as required by federal regulations. |
| 6/23/2011 |
Commission Warns Public About JCT Motor Coach After Feds Shut Down Company's OperationsATLANTA, June 23, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today noted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a cease and desist order on June 10, 2011, to JCT Motor Coach, Inc. of East Point, Georgia, after finding the company posed an imminent hazard to public safety. |
| 6/23/2011 |
PSC Warns Public About JCT Motor Coach, Inc.ATLANTA, June 23, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today noted that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a cease and desist order on June 10, 2011, to JCT Motor Coach, Inc. of East Point, Georgia, after finding the company posed an imminent hazard to public safety. |
| 6/23/2011 |
Commission Approves Expedited Hearing Schedule for Halo WirelessATLANTA, June 23, 2011 – Today the Georgia Public Service Commission approved an Expedited Procedural and Scheduling Order to hear testimony on TDS’s complaint that Halo Wireless, Inc., Transcom Enhanced Services, Inc., and other affiliates, have failed to pay intrastate access charges and are not certificated by the Commission to operate a telephone system or to provide telecommunications services within the State of Georgia. |
| 6/22/2011 |
Commission to Consider Expedited Hearing on Complaint against Halo Wireless at June 23 Administrative SessionATLANTA, June 22, 2011 – At its June 23, 2011 Administrative Session the Georgia Public Service Commission will consider scheduling an emergency hearing to decide to hear charges that Halo Wireless, Inc, a Texas based telecommunications provider, has failed to pay properly owed intrastate access charges. TDS Telecom (TDS) filed the complaint in Docket 34219 on behalf of its subsidiaries Blue Ridge Telephone Company, Camden Telephone & Telegraph Company, Nelson-Ball Ground Telephone Company and Quincy Telephone Company. TDS also names Transcom Enhance Service, Inc. in the complaint as facilitating Halo’s operations. |
| 6/13/2011 |
Commissioner Echols Requests PSC Investigation into JCT MotorcoachATLANTA, June 13, 2011 – Commissioner Tim Echols is requesting that the Georgia Public Service Commission begin its own investigation into an East Point based transportation company that the federal government ordered shut down on Friday, June 10, 2011. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a cease and desist order to JCT Motor Coach, Inc. after finding the company posed an imminent hazard to public safety |
| 6/9/2011 |
Commissioner Echols Holds Summit with Charter Bus CompaniesATLANTA, June 9, 2011 –Commissioner Tim Echols today hosted representatives from more than two dozen charter bus transportation companies and the City of Atlanta Bureau of Taxis and Vehicles for Hire in order to explore ways to better protect Georgia consumers from illegal or “rogue” operators. |
| 6/8/2011 |
Commissioner McDonald Calls for Development of Large Solar Energy ProjectsAtlanta, June 7, 2011 – Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. today called on Georgia Power Company and the staff of the Georgia Public Service Commission to present to the Commission options on the expansion of large scale solar energy projects in Georgia within 30 days. Commissioner McDonald made his request during today’s Commission Administrative Session. |
| 5/24/2011 |
PSC Cuts Georgia Power Fuel Cost Recovery RatesAtlanta, May 24, 2011—Today, by a majority vote, the Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) reduced Georgia Power Company’s average residential customers’ rates by 64 cents a month. These fuel cost recovery rates are used by Georgia Power Company to recover the cost of fuel used to generate electricity. |
| 5/12/2011 |
Commissioner Everett Issues Statement on Atlanta Gas Light filing on CNG Infrastructure PlanAtlanta, May 12, 2011 - Last summer, I called on Atlanta Gas Light Company to develop a plan to stimulate investment in compressed natural gas vehicles and CNG fueling stations throughout Georgia. I believed then and continue to believe now that Georgia will attain many long term benefits from investing in CNG infrastructure. |
| 5/3/2011 |
Commission Names New Facilities Protection Unit DirectorAtlanta, May 3, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today unanimously approved the appointment of Michael C. Nantz as the new director of the Commission’s Facilities Protection Unit. Mr. Nantz will replace outgoing Director Danny McGriff, who is retiring after more than 31 years of service with the state. |
| 4/19/2011 |
Commission Fines Telecommunications Company $125,000Atlanta, April 19, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today unanimously approved a consent agreement with Legacy Long Distance International, Inc. that requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $125,000 to resolve issues that include providing institutional telecommunications services (ITS) without a valid certificate issued by the Commission in Dockets 8076, 28152 and 30554. |
| 4/14/2011 |
Commission Joins in Proclaiming April as Dig Safely MonthATLANTA, April 14, 2011 – Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has proclaimed April 2011 as Dig Safely Month in Georgia. During a ceremony at the State Capitol, Governor Deal presented a proclamation to Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. and Commissioner Tim Echols, who accepted on behalf of the Georgia Public Service Commission, and to Georgia 811 President and CEO Claudette Campbell. |
| 4/5/2011 |
Commission Seeks Additional Facts on a Risk Sharing Mechanism for Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle Nuclear Power Construction ProjectATLANTA, April 5, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission today voted to seek additional evidence and testimony on a risk sharing mechanism to deal with any potential construction cost overruns at the Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle construction project in Waynesboro, Georgia in Docket 29849 |
| 4/4/2011 |
Commission Offers Advice for Hiring Limousines and Other Passenger CarriersAtlanta, April 4, 2011 – Prom and graduation season is here again and the Georgia Public Service Commission offers some helpful advice for Georgians who may be hiring passenger carriers for these events.
Be aware of illegal companies. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §§ 46-7-2, 46-7-3, 46-7-85.3, 46-7-85.4 and 46-7-12) all passenger carrier companies that fall under the Commission’s authority and operate within the state are required to be registered and have proof of insurance on file with the Commission. A list of the licensed companies can be found on the Commission’s website: (For limo companies) http://www.psc.state.ga.us/transportation/limodata.asp (For bus companies) http://www.psc.state.ga.us/transportation/BusCompanyData.asp |
| 4/4/2011 |
Commission Offers Advice on Hiring Limousines and Other Passenger CarriersAtlanta, April 4, 2011 – Prom and graduation season is here again and the Georgia Public Service Commission offers some helpful advice for Georgians who may be hiring passenger carriers for these events. |
| 3/21/2011 |
Commissioner Wise Supports Proposed AT&T Purchase of T-MobileAtlanta, March 21, 2011 – Georgia Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise today issued this statement supporting the AT&T acquisition of T-Mobile USA. “Georgia has traditionally been a leader in wireless communications and this proposed merger would build off of that and be good for the state. The Georgia wireless market is fiercely competitive and this merger will not affect that. However, it does appear that the merger would result in 4G LTE reaching many rural parts of the state that otherwise might not get the service. The additional broadband coverage that would result from this expansion of LTE would be good for Georgia consumers. I am supportive of the proposed merger because of the benefits that would accrue to Georgians.” |
| 3/17/2011 |
Commission Presents FY 2012 Budget to State SenateATLANTA, March 17, 2011 – Commission Chairman Stan Wise today told members of the Georgia State Senate Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee that the Commission is facing a critical point due to the past three years of budget cuts and staff reductions. Chairman Wise presented the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2012 Budget to the Subcommittee as the Senate begins its review of the FY 2012 Budget approved by the House last week. |
| 3/14/2011 |
Commissioners Receiving Briefing on Nuclear Power Incident in JapanATLANTA, March 14, 2011 – Several members of the Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) received a briefing today from Georgia Power Company (Company) officials on the nuclear reactor incident in Japan. The Commissioners received details about the incident in Japan at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant and about the integrity and design of the nuclear power reactors operated by Georgia Power and Southern Company near Waynesboro and Baxley, Georgia. |
| 3/11/2011 |
Commissioner Echols Announces Sting on Rogue Movers in GeorgiaATLANTA, March 11, 2011 –Commissioner Tim Echols said today marks the first day of what he hopes will be the first of many joint sting operations between the Georgia Public Service Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Safety. At approximately 10:30 a.m. today in the Polo Fields Subdivision in Cumming, Georgia, “Let’s Move It”, a “rogue” moving company unregistered with the Commission began loading the household goods of a local homeowner onto a rented cargo truck. State law and Commission rules require all household goods movers operating in Georgia to register with the Commission, provide cargo liability insurance, medical certificates for all drivers and to keep their rates within the confines of Commission approved tariffs |
| 2/17/2011 |
Commission Clarifies Qualifications for Grants to Low-Income Senior Citizen Natural Gas CustomersATLANTA, February 15, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) is clarifying the qualifications needed to receive the grant for low-income senior citizen natural gas customers in the Atlanta Gas Light delivery area. The Commission approved this grant at their January 18, 2011 Administrative Session. The Commission directed that $4 million from the natural gas universal service fund be used to provide these grants to low-income senior citizens. |
| 1/18/2011 |
PSC Approved $5 Million Grant for Low Income Senior Natural Gas CustomersATLANTA, January 18, 2011 – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) today unanimously approved a $5 million grant to provide relief for low-income senior citizens who are natural gas customers in the Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) distribution area. |
| 1/18/2011 |
PSC Approves Grants to Provide Relief to Senior Citizen Natural Gas CustomersThe Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission today unanimously approved a $5 million grant to provide relief for low-income senior citizens who are natural gas customers in the Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) distribution area. |
| 1/6/2011 |
Commissioner Tim Echols Named to NARUC Nuclear Waste PanelCommissioner Tim Echols is named to NARUC Nuclear Waste Panel |
| 1/6/2011 |
Wise Assumes Chairmanship in 2011Commissioner Stan Wise begins a one-year term as Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) for 2011, taking the gavel from outgoing Chairman Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. Wise is the senior member in tenure on the Commission, and the longest serving statewide constitutional officer in Georgia, having served in office since 1995. He won re-election to the Commission in 2000 and again to a third term in 2006. This will be his fourth tenure as Commission Chair, having previously chaired the Commission in 1997, 1999 and 2006. |
