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Georgia PBF/ USF History, Legislation, Implementation

Legislation Cite and Date
HB 1568 (2002)
SB 217 (4/01)
SB 215 (1997)

Low-Income Provisions
Initial legislation authorized a Universal Service Fund primarily to benefit the gas industry; SB 217 expanded its purpose to "assisting low-income residential consumers in times of emergency as determined by the commission." HB 1568 created a regulated gas provider, a marketer chosen through a bidding process, who is charged with providing lower rates to low-income, senior and other high risk households.

Low-Income Rate Assistance
The Universal Service Fund has been used in response to emergencies (gas price spikes and severe weather) several times since SB 217. Sporadic releases since the winter of 2001 have gone to low-income seniors and LIHEAP-eligible households. Since late 2002, the USF has also been used to cover arrearages of low-income households served by the regulated provider.

Low-Income Conservation
NA

Annual Funding (2011)
Rate Assistance: $5 million

Funding Mechanism
Surcharge on large industrial users and certain profits from Atlanta Gas Light.

Administration
Georgia Public Service Commission

Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: $9 million from a low-income senior discount (monthly service charge waiver) for gas and electric, in effect since 1987; this program continues in addition to USF.

Page last updated: October 21, 2011