“The Compassionate Side of Georgia’s Utility Companies: Stepping Up to Help Hurricane Katrina’s Evacuees”

Atlanta (Sep. 23) – The Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) wishes to commend Georgia’s electric, natural gas and telecommunications companies for their response in assisting Hurricane Katrina evacuees from the Gulf region who have been relocated to Georgia.

   The Commission and the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Consumers’ Utility Counsel’s Office (CUC) have partnered to encourage utility companies to implement actions that would assist evacuees with getting electric, natural gas, and telephone service installed. The response of the utilities has been swift and enthusiastic, with some companies having implemented evacuee-relief measures prior to being contacted by the Commission or CUC.

   The Commission would like to acknowledge the following companies for their “Katrina relief” efforts:

   BellSouth received approval from the Commission to provide free local and long distance service to evacuees who are housed in shelters throughout Georgia, and the Company waives 100% of the installation fees for wireline telephone service. 

   Frontier Communications (effective September 16 – December 17, 2005), and Interstate Telephone Company (effective September 9 – December 9, 2005) will waive all non-recurring charges associated with the installation of a single access line.

   Georgia Power, Savannah Electric and Power Company, and several of the electric membership corporations (Flint, Walton, Coweta-Fayette, Satilla, Central Georgia and Cobb) are waiving deposits and connection fees.

   Atlanta Gas Light Company will waive its $25 connection fee to have gas service established for the next six months. 

   Georgia Natural Gas is waiving the deposit and foregoing the credit check to evacuees seeking to establish natural gas service with the Company. 

   SCANA Energy Regulated Division will waive its connection fee and deposit requirements for low-income customers. 

   Atmos Energy Corporation is waiving its deposit.

   The Commission applauds the efforts of these companies to assist Georgia’s “new citizens” and for their expressions of “true Southern hospitality.”