State Regulators Cut Short Rate Hike Hearing, Further Delay Being Considered
The first state hearing on a new rate hike request by Georgia Power was cut short today.
Georgia Power wants to charge typical residential customers about $8 more per month to help pay for infrastructure maintenance and regulatory compliance.
But after an hour of fairly standard public comment, public service commissioners called off the hearing to reconsider the timing of the entire rate case.
Commissioner Bubba McDonald initiated the move, which many called unexpected. He said a delay of up to a year may be in order.
“The instability of what’s happening in Washington and the EPA and the new Obamacare health care reform – all the things that are going to affect the ratepayer and even the company have to be taken into consideration.”
Commissioners will reconvene tomorrow at 9 a.m. to consider the delay option. McDonald said ongoing talks between Georgia Power and PSC staff members will determine whether he formally requests a delay.
If commissioners opt to put off the case, electric rates would simply stay as they are. But Georgia Power would have to agree to it. Company spokesman John Kraft wouldn’t say whether Georgia Power was open to the idea.
“At this point we’ll be there again at 9 a.m. ready to get started with the case.”
Commissioner Stan Wise is uncomfortable with the idea of a delay. He said it would be unprecedented.
“This is dramatically different from any rules, or process, or procedure we have today and more than anything I’m concerned about unforeseen consequences.”
He didn’t speculate as to what those were.
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