PSC Considering Automatic Rate Hikes for Georgia Power

Radio Commentary, WMVV 90.7 New Life FM, November 19, 2010
By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim. Just over two weeks ago, we elected Tim Echols to succeed Public Service Commissioner Robert B. Baker, Jr., who is serving the last year of his third six-year term and didn’t run again this year. Since Mr. Baker serves through December 31st, he and the other four commissioners should be contacted about Georgia Power’s current request for a rate hike. The PSC has already had three hearings about that request and next Monday, November 22nd, will be the fourth. After that, they’ll have three more meetings and make a decision on December 3rd.

Considering President Obama’s promise to raise energy prices, we would all do well to monitor the PSC and contact all five commissioners, before they vote to raise any of our utility bills. Right now, Georgia Power wants PSC to allow them to automatically increase rates for our electric bills once or twice a year, if Georgia Power’s profit falls under 12-percent. Don’t think that can’t happen, because it’s already happened in Georgia Power affiliates in Alabama and Mississippi. A Georgia increase would cost consumers a billion dollars over the next three years. Meaning, each customer would pay an extra $137 during that same three years.

You’ll be interested to know that every two weeks or so the PSC has meetings where utility companies can make requests for rate hikes or changes in service. Then, the following Tuesday, the commission votes on whether to proceed with public hearings to discuss the changes. All PSC meetings are in Atlanta in Room 110, 244 Washington Street, S.W. and are open to the public. Also, those meetings are broadcast on the Internet at www.psc.state.ga.us, so you can listen at home.

Also, you’ll be pleased to know that several consumer advocates are fighting this rate hike, including MARTA, AARP and Georgia Watch, but individuals should call the commissioners, themselves. The toll-free number at PSC is 1 800 282-5813. And another thing: the PSC is authorized to give senior citizen discounts on gas, electric and phone bills, if the utility is in the senior citizen’s name. To qualify for a $13.50 credit on monthly phone bills and discounts on natural gas and electric bills, seniors must be over 65 and must be receiving TANF, SSI, food stamps, or Medicaid. Contact the PSC if you qualify. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.