reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-4 - RANDOM ASSIGNMENT OF CUSTOMERS › Rule 515-7-4-.07 - Subsequent Filings

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) Within fifteen (15) days following the
				random assignment process, the EDC shall file with the Commission a final
				listing of the number of customers and the associated dedicated design day
				capacity randomly assigned to each marketer.
(2) On an annual basis, the EDC shall file
				with the Commission a report detailing the following for all competitive
				delivery groups:
(a) The total number of
				customers by customer class served by each marketer within the delivery
				group;
(b) The total design day
				load for the delivery group served by each marketer.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-4 - RANDOM ASSIGNMENT OF CUSTOMERS › Rule 515-7-4-.08 - Random Assignment Upon a Marketers Withdrawal from Market

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Upon a certificated marketer's voluntary or involuntary
				  withdrawal from the market, the EDC shall perform a random assignment process
				  consistent with Commission Rule
				  515-7-5-.05 for the customers served
				  by that marketer that do not elect service from a different marketer, pursuant
				  to a schedule established by the Commission.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-152(b),(b)(2).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-4 - RANDOM ASSIGNMENT OF CUSTOMERS › Rule 515-7-4-.09 - Repealed

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-152(b)(2).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.02 - Commission Authority

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Consistent with O.C.G.A. §
									46-4-161, the Commission is
				  authorized to create and establish regulations to administer a universal
				  service fund for each gas company that elects to become subject to the
				  provisions of Article 5 of Chapter 4 of Title 46 of the Official Code of
				  Georgia Annotated, and which satisfies the requirements of O.C.G.A. §
									46-4-154. With respect to each
				  such gas company, which is also termed an "electing distribution company" under
				  the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act, the Commission is charged
				  with making a determination prior to the commencement of the electing
				  distribution company's fiscal year as to the amount of funding that is
				  appropriate for that year.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-152,
				  46-4-161.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.03 - Purpose

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
A universal service fund shall be created for each electing
				  distribution company for the purposes set forth in O.C.G.A. §
									46-4-161(a).
				  These purposes include assuring that gas is available for sale by marketers to
				  firm retail customers within a territory certificated to each such marketer;
				  enabling the electing distribution company to extend and expand its facilities
				  and service in the public interest; assisting low-income residential consumers
				  in times of emergency as determined by the Commission; and consumers of the
				  regulated provider of natural gas in accordance with Code Section
				  46-4-166.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-161.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.04 - Creation of Universal Service Fund

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) A universal service fund for each
				electing distribution company shall be created by the Georgia Public Service
				Commission, which shall designate for this purpose any state or federally
				chartered bank, trust company, or savings and loan association located in the
				state of Georgia.
(2) All monies
				placed in a universal service fund created for an electing distribution company
				shall be deposited in a separate interest bearing escrow account kept at the
				Commission designated bank.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-161.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.05 - Administration

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The universal
				service fund shall be administered by the Georgia Public Service Commission and
				maintained by the electing distribution company for which it was
				created.
(2) An electing
				distribution company shall enter into a written escrow agreement with the bank
				in which the Commission has created its universal service fund. The Commission
				shall be a party to this agreement and possess the exclusive authority to
				direct through a written instrument that a disbursement be made from an
				electing distribution company's universal service fund.
(a) The written escrow agreement entered into
				shall expressly designate the name, business address and telephone number of
				the following parties: an escrow agent, the agent of the electing distribution
				company who will maintain the fund, and a representative of the Commission.
				Under no circumstance shall the identities of the designated parties be changed
				without pre-approval being obtained from the Commission.
(b) All notices to any party to the agreement
				shall be reduced to writing and directed to the parties at their respective
				addresses.
(c) In performing any of
				its duties under the agreement, the escrow agent shall incur liability for any
				damages, losses or expenses incurred due to conduct that is the product of
				nonfeasance or malfeasance, willful behavior, a breach of trust or gross
				incompetence or negligence.
(d) The
				escrow agent shall ensure that the funds held in the escrow account be invested
				to earn interest. Universal Service Fund investments shall be diversified to
				minimize risk or loss pursuant to guidelines contained in the escrow
				agreement.
(e) In the event that
				any term and/or provision of the escrow agreement shall be found to be
				unenforceable or invalid under state or federal law, said unenforceability
				shall not invalidate or nullify the entire agreement; rather, the agreement
				shall be construed as if it did not contain the portion of the agreement found
				to be invalid or nullified and the rights of the parties shall be construed
				accordingly.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.06 - Funding

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) Prior to the
				beginning of the fiscal year of an electing distribution company, the
				Commission shall determine the amount of the fund appropriate for that fiscal
				year, which amount shall not exceed $25 million for that fiscal year. In making
				this determination, the Commission shall consider:
(a) The amount of money that will be
				necessary to provide sufficient contributions in aid of construction to permit
				the electing distribution company to extend and expand its facilities on
				occasions that the Commission deems to be in the public interest; and
(b) The amount required to assist low-income
				residential consumers in times of emergency as determined by the Commission and
				consumers of the regulated provider of natural gas in accordance with Code
				Section 46-4-166.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.07 - Applications for Disbursements from a Universal Service Fund: Electing Distribution Company

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) An EDC seeking a distribution from the
				USF shall file with the Commission an Annual USF Facilities Expansion Plan
				("Annual Plan") by September 1st of each year for the anticipated USF expansion
				projects for the 12-month period of January 1 through December 31 of the
				following year. USF funds shall only be available to aid in the construction of
				the approach main line-extension, service main, natural gas fueling
				infrastructure for motor vehicles, or compressed natural gas ("CNG") station,
				or Liquefied Natural Gas ("LNG") facilities for any proposed facilities
				expansion. The filing for Annual Plan projects will use engineering estimates
				as part of the cost review. The Commission shall determine if the projects are
				in the public interest and may accept, reject, modify the proposed projects.
				The disbursements to the EDC for completed projects will be for actual costs
				that are below the EDC's 5% budget cap for that Annual Plan year. The
				disbursements for completed projects will be limited to unencumbered funds in
				the USF. For any amounts that exceed the 5% budget cap or the unencumbered USF
				funds, those amounts will go into the EDC's rate base for ratemaking purposes.
				Any Plant recovered through USF disbursements shall not be recovered in the
				EDC's rate base for ratemaking purposes. The EDC may file revisions to its
				Annual Plan as necessary during the year. The Commission shall determine
				whether any such revisions are in the public interest, and may accept, reject,
				or modify the proposed projects. In establishing its Annual Plan, the EDC shall
				consider the following:
(a) The facility
				needs of the system to ensure the reliability of the distribution system and
				service to customers;
(b) The
				facility needs of the system to ensure the availability of a diversity of gas
				supply and interstate capacity options to serve the system;
(c) The forecasted growth requirements of the
				EDC's system based on historical growth trends;
(d) The forecasted growth requirements of the
				EDC's system based on input from developers and builders regarding their future
				development plans; and
(e) The
				forecasted growth requirements of the EDC's system based on input from state
				and local community officials regarding economic development needs and the
				forecasted growth of local communities.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.08 - Applications for Disbursements from a Universal Service Fund: Regulated Provider

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The regulated provider shall have access
				to the universal service fund to recover had debt arising from service to Group
				1 Consumers in accordance with these rules and O.C.G.A.
				46-4-166. The regulated provider
				shall not have access to the universal service fund to recover bad debt arising
				from service Group 2 Consumers.
(2)
				The Commission shall provide for the terms and conditions of recovery of bad
				debt arising from service to Group 1 Consumers in the order by the Commission
				selecting the regulated provider or in amendments thereto. Such procedures,
				terms and conditions of recovery shall be designed to encourage efficient debt
				collection practices by the regulated provider.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-161.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.09 - Assisting Low-Income Customers in Times of Emergency

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
If the Commission determines that an emergency exists, it may
				  disburse moneys from the fund to assist low-income customers.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-161,
				  50-13.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.10 - Hearing Procedures

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
If the Commission determines that a hearing is warranted, it
				  shall be conducted not less than thirty (30) days after an application for a
				  disbursement from a universal service fund is received. The burden of proof to
				  show that a disbursement of money from a universal service fund is appropriate
				  shall not be deemed met if the applicant fails to conform to these rules,
				  orders of the Commission, and granting access to the Commission through its
				  staff to audit information submitted by the applicant. Orders determining
				  whether a particular amount of money should be disbursed from a universal
				  service fund shall contain the Commission's finding of fact and conclusions of
				  law upon which the Commission's action is based. Any such order shall be deemed
				  a final order subject to judicial review under Chapter 13 of O.C.G.A. Title 50,
				  the "Georgia Administrative Procedures Act."
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-161,
				  50-13.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.11 - Repealed

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-161.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-5 - UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND › Rule 515-7-5-.12 - Repealed

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-161,
				  50-13.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-6 - NATURAL GAS MARKETER BILLING PRACTICES › Rule 515-7-6-.03 - Enforcement of Billing Service Quality Standards

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(a) In addition to any other remedies or
				actions that may be taken, marketers that fail to comply with this Commission
				Rule shall be subject to the following actions by the Commission:
(1) If the Commission finds, after notice and
				opportunity for a hearing, that a marketer has failed repeatedly or has failed
				willfully to comply with the billing service quality standards, the Commission
				may:
a. revoke the marketer's
				certificate;
b. suspend the
				marketer's certificate; and
c.
				adjust or place limitations on the marketer's certificate, including, but not
				limited to, prohibiting a marketer from accepting new customers until the
				marketer demonstrates that it has resolved any billing deficiencies found by
				the Commission.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-6 - NATURAL GAS MARKETER BILLING PRACTICES › Rule 515-7-6-.05 - Billing and Billing Dispute Record Retention

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
If a marketer records verbal communications or receives
				  written or electronic communications regarding billing disputes with either its
				  customers, the EDC or Commission Staff, the marketer shall retain copies of
				  these communications for at least twelve months.
O.C.G.A. §§
										46-2-30,
				  46-2-91,
				  46-4-150 et seq. (See especially,
				  O.C.G.A. §§
										46-4-153,
				  46-4-160).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.01 - Commission Authority and Scope

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The Georgia Legislature has directed the Georgia Public
				  Service Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to establish service
				  quality standards for each electing distribution company including, but not
				  limited to, minimum performance standards for posting data on the electronic
				  bulletin board; meter reading; meter turn-ons and turnoffs; forcasting; call
				  center response times; lost and unaccounted for natural gas; acquiring and
				  managing interstate capacity assets, including retained storage; and any other
				  service quality standards deemed necesssary by the Georgia Public Service
				  Commission.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-150,
				  46-4-154,
				  46-4-155.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.03 - Service Quality Standards: Pipeline Safety

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every EDC shall be required to meet service quality standards
				  to ensure the safe and reliable provision of natural gas to end use customers.
				  Specifically:
a. The time to provide
				an appropriate response to a natural gas leak call shall not fall below the
				established benchmark.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-150,
				  46-4-155,
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.04 - Service Quality Standards: Customer Service, Billing, and Metering

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every EDC shall be required to meet service quality standards
				  to ensure high quality service to natural gas customers, including marketers,
				  in Georgia in regards to customer service, billing, and metering. Specifically,
				  every EDC shall assure that:
a. The
				accurate meter read ratio shall not fall below the established
				benchmark;
b. The timely meter read
				ratio shall not fall below the established benchmark;
c. The meter reconnection/turn-on ratio or
				meter disconnection/ turn-off ratio shall not fall below the established
				benchmarks; and
d. The call center
				response times shall not fall below the established
				benchmarks.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-150,
				  46-4-155,
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.05 - Service Quality Standards: Marketer Services

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every EDC shall be required to meet service quality standards
				  to improve the efficiency of the marketer services that are offered to all
				  certified marketers. In addition, these same services quality standards shall
				  also apply to services provided by the EDC to the Regulated Provider, unless
				  the Commission specifically provides otherwise. Specifically, every EDC shall
				  assure that:
a. The Daily Supply
				Requirement forecast shall comply with the established benchmark;
b. The percentage of lost and unaccounted-for
				natural gas shall not exceed the established benchmark;
c. The EDC's posting of accurate and timely
				and readily available data on the EBB shall not fall below the established
				benchmarks. Specifically, the data shall be posted on the EBB and shall meet or
				exceed the established benchmark;
d. The EDC's ability to acquire and manage
				interstate capacity assets, as provided for in the Commission Order for the
				most recent Capacity Supply Plan, pursuant to O.C.G.A. §
									46-4-155(e),
				shall not fall below the established benchmarks;
e. The meter disconnection/turn-off ratio or
				the meter reconnection/ turn-on ratio shall not fall below the established
				benchmarks;
f. The call center
				response time to marketers shall not fall below the established benchmark;
				and
g. The EDC's accurate and
				timely electronic transactions of consumer data sent to marketers shall not
				fall below the established benchmark.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-150,
				  46-4-155,
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.06 - Service Quality Standards: Responsiveness to the Public Service Commission

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every EDC shall be required to meet service quality standards
				  to ensure compliance with Commission Orders, directives and requests.
				  Specifically, every EDC shall:
a.
				Respond to Commission data requests within the established benchmark;
b. Respond to complaints referred by the
				Commission within the established benchmark;
c. Comply with all Commission Orders within
				the established benchmarks; and
d.
				Provide complete and accurate reports and filings as required by the Commission
				within the established benchmarks.
O.C.G.A. Secs.
				  46-4-150,
				  46-4-155,
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.07 - Additional Service Quality Standards

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
In addition to the service quality standards set forth in
				  this Rule, the Commission may establish such further service quality standards
				  and benchmarks as the Commission may from time to time deem
				  necessary.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.08 - Methodology for Establishment and Review of Benchmarks and Penalties

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
a. The Commission
				shall determine the appropriate benchmarks necessary to measure whether an EDC
				has complied with the service quality standards established by the Commission
				pursuant to this Rule, as well as the appropriate penalties that may be
				assessed against an EDC that fails to comply with such service quality
				standards.
b. The Commission shall
				conduct a hearing for the purpose of establishing the appropriate benchmarks to
				be utilized in determining whether the EDC has complied with the service
				quality standards established herein, as well as the appropriate penalties to
				be assessed against an EDC that fails to comply with such service quality
				standards. Prior to such hearing, the EDC, the Commission Staff and any other
				interested party shall file any proposed benchmarks and penalties for
				consideration by the Commission. Following such hearing, the Commission shall
				issue an Order approving and adopting appropriate benchmarks and associated
				penalties; and
c. Following the
				establishment of initial benchmarks and penalties, the Commission may conduct
				hearings periodically for the purpose of reviewing the service quality
				standards adopted by the Commission, as well as the benchmarks and penalties
				established as described in Section (b) above. As part of such hearings, the
				EDC, the Commission Staff and any other interested party may file proposed
				revisions to the service quality standards, benchmarks and penalties for
				consideration by the Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.09 - Reporting and Compliance

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
a. Each EDC shall file reports with the
				Commission demonstrating its performance with regard to the service quality
				standards and benchmarks established by the Commission. Such reports shall be
				filed in a form approved by the Commission, and shall be filed on a quarterly
				basis, or on some other periodic basis if ordered by the Commission;
				and
b. The Commission shall, at
				least annually, conduct a proceeding to review compliance by the EDC with the
				service quality standards and benchmarks established by the
				Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.10 - Penalties

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Failure to comply with any service quality standards adopted
				  by the Commission shall subject the EDC to civil penalties as determined by the
				  Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-7 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR THE ELECTING DISTRIBUTION COMPANY › Rule 515-7-7-.11 - Force Majeure

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The Commission recognizes that the EDC's performance data may
				  be influenced by factors beyond its control. Accordingly, in the event of a
				  force majeure, as defined by Rule 12 of AGLC's Commission-approved Tariff, the
				  EDC may file a petition for an exception with the Commission seeking to have
				  the quarterly service quality standards and/or benchmark results modified. The
				  EDC will also be allowed to file an expedited petition seeking immediate relief
				  from a payment of penalties as set forth in these Rules in the event of a force
				  majeure. In any such petition, the EDC shall have the burden of demonstrating
				  that the benchmark was not met due to causes beyond the EDC's control and which
				  could not have been avoided by exercise of due care. The filing of any such
				  petition shall not stay any payments under these Rules unless otherwise ordered
				  by the Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.01 - Commission Authority and Scope

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The Georgia Legislature has empowered the Georgia Public
				  Service Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to establish service
				  quality standards for each certificated marketer and regulated provider in
				  Georgia.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.03 - Service Quality Standards: Customer Service, Billing, and Meter Reading

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every Marketer shall be required to meet service quality
				  standards to ensure that quality service is afforded to all natural gas
				  customers in Georgia. Specifically, all Marketers shall meet Commission
				  established benchmarks in the following areas:
a. Call Center Service Level;
b. Requests for information from the EDC as
				authorized by the Tariff or Commission Order and certain requests as determined
				necessary by the Commission;
c.
				Billing Accuracy and Timeliness;
d.
				Responsiveness to Consumer Inquiries and Complaints;
e. Meter Reading Accuracy, if the marketer
				either directly or through a third party is performing the meter reading
				function;
f. Meter Reading
				Timeliness, if the marketer either directly or through a third party is
				performing the meter reading function;
g. Transmittal of Meter Reading Data to the
				EDC, including Timeliness and Accuracy of data, if the marketer either directly
				or through a third party is performing the meter reading function;
				and
h. Transmittal of accurate and
				timely electronic transactions of consumer data to the EDC.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.04 - Service Quality Standards: Responsiveness to the Public Service Commission

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Every Marketer shall be required to meet service quality
				  standards to ensure compliance with Commission Orders.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.05 - Additional Service Quality Standards

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
In addition to the service quality standards set forth in
				  this Rule, the Commission may establish such further service quality standards
				  as the Commission may from time to time deem necessary.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.06 - Methodology for Establishment and Review of Benchmarks and Penalties

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
a. The Commission
				shall determine the appropriate benchmarks necessary to measure whether a
				Marketer or regulated provider has complied with the service quality standards
				established by the Commission pursuant to this Rule, as well as the appropriate
				penalties that may be assessed against a Marketer or regulated provider that
				fails to comply with such service quality standards;
b. The Commission shall conduct a hearing for
				the purpose of establishing the appropriate benchmarks to be utilized in
				determining whether a Marketer or regulated provider has complied with the
				service quality standards established herein, as well as the appropriate
				penalties to be assessed against a Marketer or regulated provider that fails to
				comply with such service quality standards. Prior to such hearing, the
				Marketers, the Commission Staff and any other interested party shall file any
				proposed benchmarks and penalties for consideration by the Commission.
				Following such hearing, the Commission shall issue an Order approving and
				adopting appropriate benchmarks and associated penalties; and
c. Following the establishment of initial
				benchmarks and penalties, the Commission may conduct hearings annually for the
				purpose of reviewing the service quality standards adopted by the Commission,
				as well as the benchmarks and penalties established as described in Section (b)
				above. Prior to such annual hearings, the Marketers, the Commission Staff and
				any other interested party shall file proposed revisions to the service quality
				standards, benchmarks and penalties for consideration by the
				Commission.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150
et seq.
(See especially, O.C.G.A. §
											46-4-158.1)
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.07 - Reporting and Compliance

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
a. Each Marketer shall file reports with the
				Commission demonstrating its performance with regard to the service quality
				standards established by the Commission. Such reports shall be filed in a form
				approved by the Commission, and shall be filed at least on a quarterly basis,
				or on some other periodic basis if ordered by the Commission; and
b. In addition to the hearings described in
				Rule 515-7-8-.06,
				the Commission shall, at least annually, conduct a proceeding to review
				compliance by the Marketers with the service quality standards established by
				the Commission.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150
et seq.
(See especially, O.C.G.A. §
											46-4-158.1)
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.08 - Penalties

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
Failure to comply with any service quality standards adopted
				  by the Commission shall subject a Marketer or regulated provider to civil
				  penalties as determined by the Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-8 - SERVICE QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATED MARKETERS AND REGULATED PROVIDERS › Rule 515-7-8-.09 - Force Majeure

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The Commission recognizes that a Marketer's or Regulated
				  Provider's performance data may be influenced by factors beyond its control.
				  Accordingly, in the event of a force majeure, as defined by Rule 12 of AGLC's
				  Commission-approved Tariff, a marketer or regulated provider may file a
				  petition for an exception with the Commission seeking to have the scheduled
				  service quality standards and/or benchmark results modified. The marketer or
				  regulated provider will also be allowed to file an expedited petition seeking
				  immediate relief from a payment of penalties as set forth in these Rules in the
				  event of a force majeure. In any such petition, the marketer or regulated
				  provider shall have the burden of demonstrating that the benchmark was not met
				  due to causes beyond the marketer's or regulated provider's control and which
				  could not have been avoided by exercise of due care. The filing of any such
				  petition shall not stay any payments under these Rules unless otherwise ordered
				  by the Commission.
O.C.G.A. Sec.
				  46-4-158.1.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-9 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' TERMS OF SERVICE › Rule 515-7-9-.03 - Terms of Service: Approval

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) At least 30 days prior to the effective
				date of any changes in the terms and conditions (excluding price) for service
				authorized by the marketer's certificate of authority, a marketer shall file
				such changes with the Commission. Such changes to the terms and conditions of
				service shall go into effect on the effective date proposed by the marketer;
				provided, however, that the Commission shall be authorized to suspend the
				effective date of the proposed changes for up to 90 days if it appears to the
				Commission that the proposed terms and conditions are unconscionable or are
				unfair, deceptive, misleading, or confusing to consumers. If the Commission
				does not issue a final decision on the proposed terms and conditions of service
				within the 90-day suspension period, the proposed changes shall be deemed
				approved.
(2) A marketer shall file
				with the Commission its terms and conditions of service in compliance with the
				provisions of this Rule Chapter within 30 days after the date these rules take
				effect.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150 et seq. (See especially,
				  O.C.G.A. §§
											46-4-156,
				  46-4-158.2,
				  46-4-160).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-9 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' TERMS OF SERVICE › Rule 515-7-9-.05 - Right to Rescission

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The consumer shall have three (3) days to cancel the
				  agreement from the date the consumer receives either enrollment materials,
				  notice of a change of terms and conditions, or notice of any new or additional
				  charges. Said cancellation shall be timely if the marketer is contacted by
				  telephone or electronically or a letter sent to the marketer is postmarked by
				  the third day following receipt of said materials or notice pursuant to this
				  subsection.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150 et seq. (See especially,
				  O.C.G.A. §§
											46-4-156,
				  46-4-158.2,
				  46-4-160).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-9 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' TERMS OF SERVICE › Rule 515-7-9-.06 - Enforcement of Terms of Service Standard

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(a) In addition to any other remedies or
				actions that may be taken, marketers that fail to comply with any rule
				contained in Commission Utility Rule Chapter 515-7-9 shall be subject to the
				actions following by the Commission:
(1) If
				the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a
				marketer has failed repeatedly or has failed willfully to comply with the terms
				of service standards, the Commission may:
(a)
				Revoke the marketer's certificate;
(b) Suspend the marketer's certificate;
				and
(c) Adjust or place limitations
				on the marketer's certificate, including, but not limited to, prohibiting a
				marketer from accepting new customers until the marketer demonstrates that it
				has resolved any terms of service deficiencies found by the
				Commission.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-9 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' TERMS OF SERVICE › Rule 515-7-9-.07 - Record Retention and Requests

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) A marketer shall retain copies,
				electronic images or recordings of all communications to and from the customer,
				the EDC, or the Commission pursuant to this Rule Chapter for a minimum of one
				(1) year.
(2) Upon request, the
				marketer shall provide the Commission with a copy of any records maintained
				pursuant to this Rule Chapter within three (3) business days of such
				request.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150 et seq. (See especially,
				  O.C.G.A. §§
											46-4-156,
				  46-4-158.2,
				  46-4-160).
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-10 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' CUSTOMER ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES › Rule 515-7-10-.01 - Commission Authority and Scope of Provisions

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) The requirements of these rules shall
				serve as minimum standards that must be employed by marketers in enrolling
				customers and maintaining their accounts for the purpose of providing natural
				gas services.
(2) Notwithstanding
				any provision of the law to the contrary, any person selected by an EDC, a
				certificated marketer, or a regulated provider may perform billing and meter
				reading services on behalf of such entity without first becoming certificated
				in accordance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. §
									46-4-153, provided that a
				certificated marketer or regulated provider also submits meter reading data so
				obtained to the EDC in a timely manner.
O.C.G.A. §§
											46-2-30,
				  46-4-150
et seq.
(
See especially
, O.C.G.A. §§
											46-4-153,
				  46-4-160)
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-10 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' CUSTOMER ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES › Rule 515-7-10-.02 - Customer Enrollment

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) An order change for commodity sales
				service or distribution service shall not be submitted to a customer's existing
				marketer (or to the EDC, if the customer has not yet selected a marketer) by a
				succeeding marketer or representative thereof unless and until such time as the
				existence of proper customer authorization to take such action is confirmed.
				For purposes of this Rule,"succeeding marketer" shall mean any marketer to whom
				a customer's account for commodity sales service or distribution service will
				been switched at such customer's request.
(2) The requisite confirmation shall be
				obtained by a succeeding marketer in at least one of the following manners:
(a) The succeeding marketer must obtain the
				customer's written authorization to effect such change utilizing a letter of
				agency that meets the requirements of Commission Rule Chapter
				515-7-10-.04; or
(b) The succeeding marketer shall obtain the
				customer's verbal or electronic authorization to effect such change. All
				marketers electing to confirm sales verbally or electronically shall establish
				one or more toll-free numbers exclusively for that purpose. Calls placed to or
				from these numbers must connect a customer to a voice response unit or other
				similar device that will automatically record the origin of the number from
				which the call is placed, the type of service for which a change is requested,
				the marketer, regulated provider, or EDC from which the customer is presently
				receiving the service(s) for which a change is requested, the identity of the
				person requesting the change, information verifying the identity of the
				customer and the time and date on which a request for a change is made;
				or
(c) A qualified, independent
				third party has obtained the customer's verbal confirmation of authorization to
				submit the service change order, which confirmation is recorded by audio or
				electronic means that include the data and time of the transaction. The
				independent third party serving in this capacity shall confirm the change
				previously requested by use of appropriate verification data and such.
Independent third party verification shall:
(i) Be conducted by a live person and not a
				recording of any kind; and
(ii) Be
				conducted outside the presence of the marketer's sales representative;
				and
(iii) Should the consumer have
				a question; the verifying third party shall refer the customer back to the
				marketer's representative; or
(d) By any other verification procedures that
				may be specified by the Commission.
Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 515 - RULES OF GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Chapter 515-7 - GAS UTILITIES › Subject 515-7-10 - NATURAL GAS MARKETERS' CUSTOMER ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES › Rule 515-7-10-.03 - Retention of Records; Mandatory Disclosures That Must Be Made to a Customer When a Change in Marketer Is Requested

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) All letters of agency, copies of
				enrollment materials, recordings or other evidence that a consumer either newly
				established or initiated a change in service shall be maintained by a marketer
				for at least nine (9) months from the date on which the customer's service
				began. Failure to maintain such records shall constitute prima facie evidence
				that consent from the customer was not obtained to establish or switch
				service.
(2) Any telemarketing or
				direct mail solicitations or confirmation cards sent on behalf of a marketer
				seeking to change a customer's service must include the following disclosures:
(a) Identification of the marketer soliciting
				the change;
(b) A statement that
				the purpose of the call or confirmation card is to solicit a change of the
				customer's commodity sales service or distribution service;
(c) A declaration that the customer's service
				cannot be changed unless and until confirmation of the requested change is
				received in accordance with these rules; and
(d) A description of any charge(s) that may
				be imposed on a customer by any party for processing any change(s) in the
				customer's service.