May 2005
Georgia PSC Watches Out for You
The Georgia Public Service Commission represents you, the consumer, in the natural gas market. The Commission ensures you have safe, reliable natural gas and other utilities, while watching over the companies providing those services.
"It's a balancing act," says Public Information Officer Bill Edge of the GPSC. "The Public Service Commission assures consumers have safe and reasonably priced services, while at the same time, makes sure the companies that provide the services are able to do so both financially and technically."
Five commissioners, representing Georgia's five districts, make up the GPSC. Voters elect commissioners statewide to serve six-year terms.
The Commission originated in 1879 as the Georgia Railroad Commission to regulate freight rates and railroad safety. When the popularity of electricity and telephone services advanced, oversight of those utilities was added to the Commission. That same year in 1907, the Commission was extended to five elected commissioners, as opposed to three appointed by the governor.
By 1922, the name changed to the Georgia Public Service Commission and was added to the state's constitution in 1943. The arrangement of the GPSC cannot be changed without a constitutional amendment.
Deregulation, Adding Competition to Georgia's Gas Market
Georgia's natural gas market wasn't deregulated until 1998. According to the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act of 1997, the GPSC is not authorized to regulate the price of natural gas.
"Many consumers have a misconception of deregulation," says Edge. "The price of gas itself was never regulated by the Commission."
After deregulation, Atlanta Gas Light Company was no longer a marketer, but instead owned part of Georgia's gas pipeline distribution system. Only Georgia's gas marketers sell natural gas directly to consumers. That's why you pay Walton EMC Natural Gas each month for the gas you use.
Individual gas marketers set their own monthly variable and fixed rates, depending on the price of gas at the well and the costs of transporting the gas from the well to your home's tap. The AGLC base charge makes up for the costs of maintaining the pipelines, as well as your gas meter.
Find more information on natural gas deregulation and calculating your AGLC base charge online at the GPSC's website.
Communicating with the GPSC
GPSC sessions, committee meetings and hearings are open to the public. Three standing committees make up the Commission: energy, telecommunications and administrative affairs. The energy committee includes issues on natural gas, electricity and pipeline safety. A detailed calendar of sessions and committee meetings is also available online.
Log on day or night for instant information. Check out the "Consumer Corner," which features various natural gas topics, including tips on reading and understanding your gas bill. Also find details on signing a fixed rate plan.
Compare natural gas rates using the Georgia Gas Marketers' Price Chart. All Georgia gas marketers' rates are posted each month. The GPSC's price chart lists monthly per therm rates, apples to apples per therm rates and total bill amounts for typical customers. You can easily compare your current marketer's price with others, while comparing monthly variable and fixed rates.
Edge suggests that you look at everything when comparing gas rates, not just the price of gas itself. "You have the base charge, customer service charge, and some marketers add charges for pipeline transportation."
Stay Up-to-Date with the Gas Market
Edge recommends that consumers stay educated about the natural gas market-rates, trends and other marketers. "Do what's best for your situation," Edge advises. All natural gas consumers have an option to lock in to a fixed rate or pay the monthly variable rate.
"If you lock in, sometimes there's a penalty if you try to get out early," says Edge. "If the price goes down and you're locked in at a higher rate, is it worth it to try and get out and pay the $50 penalty or just stay with it?"
Be informed with the market and prices each month to be aware of price fluctuations throughout the year. If you decide to lock in to a fixed rate, you'll have a better understanding of the rates and when the best time is to lock in.
The GPSC serves all Georgia consumers. Any consumer can contact the GPSC if they have an issue with a marketer. The Commission recommends that a consumer deal with the company first to try and resolve an issue, then contact the Commission if an issue remains unresolved.
More information on the GPSC can be obtained online or by contacting the Commission.
To contact the Georgia Public Service Commission:
404/656-4501 • 800/282-5813
404/656-2341 Fax
244 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-5701
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Recipes
Gas up the stove using recipes from Walton EMC Natural Gas customers. Our customers are encouraged to submit their favorite and unique recipes to us throughout the year. Each month, one recipe is published in The Walton EMC Gasette for other customers to enjoy. The customers who get their recipe in the newsletter also receive a $25 credit toward their next Walton EMC Natural Gas bill.
Browse recipes featured in The Walton EMC Gasette.
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