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Making Business and Safety Decisions Affecting Tomorrow

Fall 2003 Volume 3 Issue 2 Consumer Winter Prepared- ness Meeting *Commission Staff *Gas Marketers Consumer Preparedness *Community Groups *Other state agencies *Messages to Consumers Meeting Sets Tone for Winter

In this issue epresentatives from R natural gas marketers, Commission Energy America plans to 2 staff, other state agencies leave and community groups participated in the Commission-sponsored NARUC Convention Here 2 2003-04 Consumer Winter Preparedness Meeting on October 21 to prepare common messages to Commission Staff Takes 3 consumers in the face of Part in Community Fo- possible higher natural gas rums prices this winter. Commissioner David Burgess addresses the Winter

Participants heard first Preparedness meeting Commission Issues Deci- 4 from Commssioner David sion in Burgess who said it was discussed were tion Rules and Fuel Case important to present a messages in the Policies;Payment unified front in following areas: Volatile Commission Resolves 4 Options;Regulated communicating with Natural Gas Provider; and Energy America Issues consumers this winter. Prices;Energy (Continued on page 2) Senate Electric Line Study 5 Among the topics Conservation;Disconnec Committee NARUC Convention Here Commission takes part in 6 Promina Walk/Run he NARUC 115th An- Stan Wise followed by Russian Official Gets 6 Natural Gas Briefing T nual Convention will the nomination be held here November speeches for the elec- 16-19, 2003 at the tion of the NARUC of- New Employees 7 Marriott Marquis. The Con- fices of President, First vention is designed to pro- Vice President and Sec- vide professional education ond Vice President. Food Drive Underway 7 and development, while Welcome remarks will offering networking oppor- be given by Commis- Commission Calendar 8 tunities with federal and with introductory remarks sion Chairman Robert state colleagues. The Con- by NARUC President and "Bobby" Baker, Jr. Fol- State Holidays 8 vention will commence our own Commissioner (Continued on page 2) PAGE 2 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Energy America Plans To Leave Georgia

(from PR Newswire) nergy America announced natural gas customers in the E October 7 that it plans to deregulated exit the natural gas market in market. The decision to exit services. The company's Georgia and has begun nego- Georgia was made in the con- strategy will continue to focus tiations to sell its business to text of a challenging business on markets where Energy interested parties. The com- environment where it was prov- America can maximize share- pany will cooperate fully with ing difficult to achieve the nec- holder value by providing the Georgia Public Service essary scale of operation to cre- consumers with innovative Commission to ensure an or- ate real shareholder value. En- products, and offering a wide derly transition. Once transition ergy America remains commit- range of choice and compel- plans are finalized with the ted to deregulation and contin- ling value propositions in en- Commission, Energy America ues to be successful in the U.S., ergy and energy services. will communicate those plans evaluating new markets, cross to its customers. The company marketing energy with home stated that its aim was to en- services, and launching business sure that customers did not suffer any adverse conse- If you have a story for the next quences because of this deci- GPSC News, please send to Bill sion. Energy America serves Edge, [email protected]. Next approximately 50,000 Georgia issue deadline is January 15, 2004.

Consumer Meeting insulating their homes, checking for leaks and taking advantage of budget billing (Continued from page 1) and fixed rate plans. Joyce Assistance Programs. Hull with the Department of Commissioner Burgess noted Human Resources outlined that industry analysts are the various financial predicting natural gas prices this assistance programs available winter could rise from 15% to through her department. At 50%. the request of Commissioner Commission economist John Burgess, Natural Gas staff Cogburn pointed out that the John Cogburn makes a point about natural gas prices organized the meeting. The days of $2 per therm natural gas meeting received extensive are probably gone. The natural consumers can save money on coverage on WAGA-TV, the gas staff explained various ways their natural gas bills by local Fox News affiliate.

NARUC million into the local econ- omy. (Continued from page 1) Upcoming NARUC meetings lowing Monday’s opening session are: March 7 - 10, 2004 there will be panel discussions on (NARUC Winter Meeting), the Future of Energy, Electric Washington DC.; July 11 - 14, Regulation, Ex-parte Communica- 2004 (NARUC Summer Com- tions, Base load Capacity, Broad- mittee Meeting) Salt Lake band and DSL, Grid Reliability, City, Utah and November 14 and Ethical Challenges in Today’s Commissioner Stan Wise - 17, 2004 (116th NARUC An- Regulatory Environment. nual Convention) , Nashville, More than 1,500 people are ex- pected to attend. The NARUC Tennessee. Convention will pump about $1 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 GPSC NEWS PAGE 3

Commission Staff Takes Part In Community Forums

Making a Difference in the Participants have been educated BellSouth challenges Lives of Our Seniors on aspects of the billing and Commission Ruling By Bernard Cameron disconnect rules, how to read ellSouth has filed a chal- ver the past three and understand their gas bills, B lenge to the Commis- O months, staff in senior citizen’s discounts across sion’s June 24 decision low- Consumer Affairs has spread all industries, fixed rate versus ering the Company’s rates the message to senior citizens variable rate plans and budget for interconnection access. throughout metro Atlanta and billing. After receiving the The petition, filed in federal in parts of Southeast Georgia Commission's educational district court in Atlanta, calls that “educated consumers are package, one participant, Mrs. the ruling illegal and un- better prepared to make Jones at the DeKalb-Atlanta fair .BellSouth filed the legal informed choices regarding Senior Center in Kirkwood, said, action despite the Commis- their natural gas services.” “I guess I’ll be going to school sion’s reconsideration of its More than 1200 seniors and tonight.” action which led to the ad- community action employees In partnership with the justment of some rates. The have benefited from on-site Department of Human Commission issued its origi- workshops and Presentations Resources and Rev. Henry A. nal decision in this docket on given by Consumer Affairs Johnson (senior citizen March 24, 2003. staff members. advocate), we look forward to

Changes in No Call Program A Win-Win for Consumers he Commission August Call List. Registration on the fed- T 15 announced that Federal Trade Commission (FTC. eral list is for a five year period. Georgia residential and wire- There is no fee to register on The move will save about less telephone customers the federal lists. Consumers can $500,000 in this year’s Commis- can sign up at no cost for register with the federal lists on- sion budget. “This is a win-win the Georgia list when they line at www.donotcall.gov or by situation for Georgia consumers,” also register their phone calling toll-free 1-888-382- according to Commission Chair- numbers with the new Do 1222. Georgia residential and man Robert B. Baker, “we have Not Call lists maintained by wireless telephone customers found a way to save the taxpay- the Federal Communications will no longer have to pay the ers money while increasing our Commission (FCC) and the $5 fee to be on the Georgia No services to the consumer.”

The Governor’s Office of Con- court decision allowed the sumers Affairs handles all vio- federal no call registry to lations reported by Georgia continue signing up consum- residents. Over 70 companies ers. Telemarketer groups across the country have paid had filed challenges to the fines for violations of the No law and two federal courts Call legislation in 13 states. had temporarily put the list on hold. Since becoming operational in homes of individuals who have 1999, the Georgia No Call List registered their objections to has dramatically limited the receiving these types of calls. number of telemarketing calls Meanwhile, a federal appeals that can be placed to the PAGE 4 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Commission Rulings

Commission Issues De- recovery rate that will lower lowers the interest cision in Georgia Power residential customers’ average rate or carrying costs on any Fuel Case bills from October through under or over recovery of fuel May while increasing the aver- costs from the current 13 per- he Commission on August age bill from June through cent to one point five (1.5) T 19 approved a stipulated September. The average an- percent beginning September agreement with Georgia Power nual monthly increase for resi- 1, 2003. This decision will save on the Company‘s request for customers 44 cents per month. an increase in the Company’s Under Georgia law, the Com- Fuel Cost Recovery Allowance. pany is allowed to recover dol- The Commission vote was 3-2 lar for dollar its costs for fuel with Commissioners Robert B. used in the generation of elec- Baker and Angela Speir voting tricity. no. The approved agreement dential customers will be allows the Company to recover about 73 cents per month. Un- $157 million in under-collected der Georgia Power’s original fuel costs over an 18-month proposal, residential custom- period beginning October 1, ers would have paid $18.96 2003. The agreement also pro- more per year. vides for a seasonal fuel cost The approved agreement also

Commission Resolves amendment, which Chairman Alleged Violations by Natural Gas Marketer Baker did support. The stipulation requires Energy America to contribute $400,000 he Commission The Commission approved the to the Low Income Heat Energy T September 2 approved stipulated agreement on a 3-2 Assistance Program (LIHEAP) the largest assessment ever vote with Commission plus $100 credits to each of the against a Georgia natural gas Chairman Robert B. Baker, Jr. 138 customers slammed for a marketer in order to resolve and Commissioner Angela Speir total payment of $413,800. In 138 allegations of slamming voting no. Commissioner Speir addition, Energy America would against marketer Energy offered an amendment that pay $5 to these customers for America. Slamming is the would have increased the each day it took the gas mar- switching of a consumer’s assessment to $548,000 but a keter to return the customers natural gas marketer without majority of the Commission to their preferred provider after the consumer’s authorization. failed to support her being slammed.

Commissioners Testify would require addi- Before Senate Study tional financial and Committee personnel resources for the Commission. ommissioners and staff ap- The Study Committee C peared before the Senate will submit its recom- Electric Line Location Study mendations on possi- Committee September 18 to ble legislation before offer the Commission perspec- the 2004 General As- tive on legislation concerning sembly convenes in the controversial issue of emi- January. nent domain. Commission Commissioners Angela Speir and Doug Chair Robert B. Baker, and Everett told the Committee that the bills VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 GPSC NEWS PAGE 5

Commission Rulings Commission Approves MCI Complaint Against BellSouth Over DSL Service

he Commission on Octo- sign up for MCI voice service. The Commission also accepted T ber 21 voted in favor of DSL service is provided over an amendment by a MCI Worldcom the high frequency portion of Commissioner Stan Wise that Communications, Inc. (MCI) their telephone lines. calls for the Commission to complaint against BellSouth The Commission voted to review this decision within 30 Telecommunications, Inc. accept a staff months. During that time, the (BellSouth). The Commission recommendation that found Commission will determine what vote was 3-2, with this practice violates both progress Competitive Local Commissioners Robert B. state law and the parties’ Exchange Companies have Baker, Jr. and Doug Everett interconnection agreements. made in implementing their own voting no. In its complaint, Commissioner David Burgess DSL offerings. MCI alleged that BellSouth is said, “Consumers want these refusing to provide its digital services. It is appropriate that subscriber line (“DSL”) the Commission adopt this service to consumers who policy.”

Commission Program Pro- builders and property owners ties affects public safety, the en- tects Public Safety to locate pipelines, cables and vironment and local economies.” other underground utilities be- Beginning July 1, 2000, changes fore excavating with mecha- in the law gave the Commission he Commission’s enforce- nized equipment. A free ser- new powers of enforcement with T ment of a law that protects vice, offered through the fines of up to $10,000 per viola- lives and property has resulted Georgia Utilities Protection tion. Since enforcement of the in more than a 30 percent re- Center (UPC), protects the program began, Atlanta Gas Light duction in utility disruption in vast underground infrastruc- Company, BellSouth and Georgia the state over the past three ture of pipelines, conduits and Power have seen a joint reduction years since lawmakers ap- cables that are critical to in damages to their pipelines and proved tough new changes in Georgia businesses and resi- underground cables of 31.2 per- the utility facility protection dences. According to Commis- cent. Overall, damages have de- laws. Georgia’s “Call Before You sion Chairman Robert Baker, clined by a total of 4,000 inci- Dig” law requires contractors, Jr., “Disruption of these utili- dents per year.

“The Commission is very The reduction in damages has Over $1,153,750 has been pleased at the cooperation we resulted in significant savings levied in fines, of which have received from utilities such in terms of lost time and pro- $179,750 has gone to the as Atlanta Gas Light, BellSouth ductivity while protecting pub- State Treasury with the re- and Georgia Power to reduce lic safety.” mainder mitigated by train- these damages to the utility in- The Commission and the UPC ing. While many violators frastructure,” said Danny have worked closely with the pay fines, educating viola- McGriff, Manger of Pipeline/ utilities to educate the public, tors through Commission- Facilities Safety for the Commis- particularly developers and approved training remains sion. “We have worked closely excavators, via free “Call Be- the central goal of Commis- with them to educate the public fore You Dig” safety seminars, sion enforcement efforts. about the importance of calling brochures, posters and other before cranking up a backhoe. literature. PAGE 6 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Commission Team Takes Part in Promina Walk/Run

By Julia Truss make it a company picnic or the third consecutive of sorts by renting tents F year, the Commission and providing food for af- was represented well by a ter-the-race fun and ac- courageous group of com- tivities. In addition to petitors at the PROMINA awarding prizes to top Corporate Run/Walk. The finishers, PROMINA also event promotes fitness and awards the PROMINA Cup fellowship among employees to companies in recogni- of metro area business or- tion of their commitment ganizations and raises to employee health and money to help support the fitness. Atlanta Braves Foundation This year’s event was held and the Boys & Girls Clubs The “Regulators” gather before race on September 18 with 13 of Metro Atlanta. It provides time of the Commission’s finest participating. Dan Cear- an excellent opportunity for each other as runners or walkers colleagues and friends to foss, who originally sug- along a 3.2 mile route beginning at gested GPSC participa- encourage and compete with Turner Field. Many employers

tion, led the group of repeat Both Brandon and Sheree more staff members will join in entrants including Jamie Bar- claimed victory for third place. the fun and that provisions for ber, Jim Bottone, Janey Chau- Ann was this year’s team cap- after-the-race food can be vet, Ellen Harkins, Sheree tain and our fastest walker. made. A tent with a catered Kernizan, Reece McAlister, Reese and Ellen ran the fur- meal would be real nice, or Ann McCullough, Veronica thest, going well past the Baker team members could bring Thomas, and Julia Truss. They Street turnaround point before various dishes for a tailgate happily welcomed first timers heading back to Turner Field. party. In fact, that could be a Philip Bedingfield, Tressa In the end, all were winners way for even more staffers to deAndrade, Brandon Marzo, and shared in a night of fun, participate, even those not in- Shaun Rosemond, and de- with a few sore feet and mus- terested in running or walking Lancey Todd. cles the following day, vowing could come for the food and Dan was the first place winner to stay in shape and be better fellowship. Let’s all think about for the Commission runners, prepared for next year’s race. that for next year! with Tressa coming in second. The hope for next year is that

Russian Official Gets Natural Gas Briefing told staff members that Russia’s natural gas company, Gasprom, atural Gas staff briefed is about to embark on a major N Anatoly A. Lyutenko, the LNG project with the United head of the Lotoshino District States that could result in mil- in Moscow on Georgia’s natural lions of dollars of Russian in- gas industry during a visit to vestment in the U.S. Lyutenko the Commission on October 6. was accompanied by his inter- Lyutenko’s post is similar to preter. Tom Bond, Nancy Tyre that of a county manager or Anatoly Lyutenko(center) listens and Michelle Thebert conducted county executive. Lyutenko to Michelle Thebert the briefing. VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 GPSC NEWS PAGE 7

Employee News Welcome New Employees

Victoria Taylor joined the Greg Peacock joined the Joyce Johnson joined the Com- Commission as an Analyst in Commission as Director of mission October 2 as a Con- the Natural Gas Section on Oc- Fiscal Affairs August 18. He sumer Affairs Customer Service tober 1. She attended Saint previously worked for the Representative. She has more Louis University and graduated Legislative Budget Office. He than 30 years experience in cus- with a B.S. in Finance and is a graduate of Augusta tomer service with Atlanta Gas Marketing. State University. Light Company.

Tonika Starks joined the Commission November 3 Desmond Smith joined Candace Roland joined the as a Telecom Analyst. She Consumer Affairs on Octo- Commission November 3 as has an MBA from Devry ber 2. Desmond brings an Administrative Assistant for University and a BS from four years of customer ser- Commissioner Speir. She has the University of Southern vice experience from The a background in corporate re- Indiana. She is a native of American Cancer Society. cruiting and is a graduate of Indiana. the University of Georgia.

Food Drive Under- break room on the 6th Floor - Congratulations to Reece way in which you can place your McAlister, Commission Ex- items. ecutive Secretary, on his mar- or the 6th year in a row, Any donation of food that you riage to Ellen Harkins. They F the Commission will be can make will be most appre- were married October 4 in hosting its annual food drive ciated, particularly by those Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Many through November 19, 2003. families whose upcoming holi- will remember Ellen when she There will be two receptacles day meals will consist of items served as Administrative As- to collect the donated food - that have been contributed by sistant to Commissioner Bob one in the Executive Secre- nice folks like you! Durden. tary’s office and one in the PAGE 8 GPSC NEWS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

Commission News Commission Calendar Georgia State Holidays For 2003

News Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday January 20 Confederate Memorial Day April 28 Memorial Day May 26 Independence Day July 4 November Labor Day September 1 4-Administrative Session Columbus Day October 13 13-Committees 20-Administrative Session Veterans Day November 11 25-Committees Thanksgiving November 27 27-28-Thanksgiving Holiday Robert E. Lee Birthday November 28 December Christmas December 25 2-Administrative Session President’s Day December 26 11-Committees 16-Administrative Session 25-26 –Christmas Holiday

Commission Calendar

January 2004 NARUC GPSC ONLINE: 1-New Year’s Day Holiday Annual Convention www.psc.state.ga.us 6-Administrative Session November 16-19, 2003 16-Committees Atlanta, Georgia 19– M.L. King, Jr. Holiday Winter Meeting 20-Administrative Session March 7-10, 2004 30-Committees Washington, D.C. February 2004 Summer Meeting 3-Administrative Session July 11-14, 2004 12– Committees Salt Lake City, Utah 19– Administrative Session

he Public Information Office T publishes GPSC News for the COMMISSIONERS Georgia Public Service Robert B. Baker, Jr., Chairman Commission. Information for David L. Burgess GPSC News should be sent to: H. Doug Everett Bill Edge, 244 Washington St. Angela E. Speir S.W., Atlanta, Ga. 30334. Discussion of regulatory matters Stan Wise in this newsletter should not be construed as legal interpretations of orders or rules issued by the Commission.