A new report, released by Georgia Watch and Consumer Federation of America, finds that Georgia families will continue to spend an extra $450 per year on their energy bills if strong energy efficiency policies are not incorporated into the climate and energy legislation before Congress. The report shows that robust state and federal energy efficiency policies could dramatically reduce energy consumption and save Georgians money on their energy bills every year. Read the rest of this entry »
Consumer Energy Program
By David Markiewicz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, February 21, 2010
The state Public Service Commission is scheduled to hold public hearings Monday and Tuesday in Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery case.
If the utility gets what it’s asking — $3.9 billion to cover its cost of coal, natural gas and nuclear fuel for the next 14 months, plus $683 million in under-recovered past costs — the typical residential customer will pay nearly $7 more each month on his electric bill.more
Georgia Watch has written a formal letter of concern to Joseph B. Doyle, Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs (GOCA). Georgia Watch believes that, as GOCA’s Administrator, it is in Mr. Doyle’s power to intervene in utility rate cases and other critical cases heard before the Public Service Commission (PSC) that impact consumers’ wallets. He has made no such intervention to date and, as a result, the interests of the average Georgia consumer have gone unrepresented. Read the rest of this entry »
Georgia Watch welcomes Clare McGuire as senior counsel and director of the Consumer Energy Program bringing with her years of experience as a staff attorney for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs.
As the Director of the Consumer Energy Program (CEP), McGuire will intervene on behalf of consumers in rate cases and cases involving the state’s energy portfolio heard before the Public Service Commission. Georgia Watch’s presence at these hearings will allow for more transparency at the commission, a panel of five statewide elected officials that decides billion dollar rate cases. Read the rest of this entry »
By Angela Speir Phelps
Most Georgians realize the impact energy bills have on their family’s budget, especially at this time of year when our natural gas bills rise. But what many may not realize is that last year, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs completely defunded the Consumer’s Utility Counsel (CUC), a branch of the executive office that spoke up for average Georgians during the billion dollar utility cases being decided by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Read the rest of this entry »
Atlanta Business Chronicle, December 4, 2009
By Dave Williams
At first blush, it might seem that Angela Speir Phelps made a radical career change this year when she moved from utility regulator to consumer advocate. Full article.
Check out Georgia Watch board member and consumer advocate Clark Howard’s tips on tax credits for green living, growing your own produce and recipes for making your own cleaning supplies click here. Clark also says consumers should think about locking natural gas rates before the cold weather arrives in Georgia.
ATLANTA – July 15th, Former Public Service Commissioner Angela Speir Phelps became executive director of Georgia Watch, the state’s leading consumer advocacy organization. Policy manager Danny Orrock moves into the organization’s deputy director position… Read the rest of this entry »
The Consumer Energy Program, led by former Public Service Commissioner and Georgia Watch Executive Director Angela Speir, analyzes information and develops positions on legislative and regulatory proposals that affect utility pricing, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Information about the program, new policies and ways to save on monthly bills is spread across the state via staff editorials, interviews and in an intensive grassroots campaign.
Southern Co. is among a group of four energy companies that will get billions in federal funding to build new nuclear reactors, according to a story in Wednesday’s Wall Street Journal. Read the rest of this entry »
By KRISTI E. SWARTZ
kswartz@ajc.com
A coalition of watchdog groups Wednesday formally called on the state to be more open with how it spends federal stimulus money…more
By Angela Speir Phelps
The phrase “a chicken in every pot” was a slogan used during Herbert Hoover’s presidential campaign in 1928. A year later, the Great Depression began. We are very blessed that we are not suffering as those who came before us did, but it’s tough times these days. Read the rest of this entry »
By Kristi E. Swartz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Sometimes, the governor’s office receives a simple call from Washington.
Sometimes, a state agency gets a “check’s in the mail” shout-out from a federal counterpart.
And still other times, the information simply pops up on a Web site, with no bells or whistles…more
The Georgia Public Service Commission decides what are fair and reasonable rates for services under its jurisdiction. It must balance Georgia citizens’ need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment. The commission protects consumers’ interests while abiding by legal standards in setting rates. All matters scheduled for public hearing are heard by the commissioners or in special cases, by an appointed hearing officer in open session. Read the rest of this entry »
A major focal point of the Consumer Energy Program is a ground-level campaign to emphasize cases that will come before the PSC. Knowing our PSC members and staying updated on pending cases will ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the decisions being made by the Commission that impact our environment and the economy. Every time you turn on your lights, pick up a phone or set your thermostat, the PSC has had some impact on that service and its cost. Check back periodically to see our positions on the following cases.
By MARGARET NEWKIRK, AARON GOULD SHEININ
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sunday, March 01, 2009
In a deepening recession, a Republican-dominated Legislature with a strong aversion to increasing taxes last week approved a bill allowing Georgia Power to charge customers early for nuclear reactors…more
Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) sponsored Senate Bill 31, which is now known as the Georgia Power tax. The controversial bill moved swiftly through both chambers and lander on Governor Perdue’s desk long before the session ended. Read the rest of this entry »
Doug Everett - PSC Chairman
Commissioner District 1
deverett@psc.state.ga.us
Weatherization, behavioral changes and energy efficient products – help mitigate increasing costs of energy by lowering consumption.
Leaks:
Reducing drafts save you 5% to 30% on electric bills per year. To find leaks, close all windows/doors and turn on exhaust fans (usually located in kitchen and bathroom). Read the rest of this entry »
The Consumer Energy Program is working to make sure stimulus money coming to the sate are used for the best possible energy programs. Stipulations in President Obama’s stimulus package will provide $130 million to Georgia for weatherization assistance programs, including attic insulation, reduction of air leakage around doors, basement insulation and heating system repairs or replacement.
Read the rest of this entry »