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Panel approves bill to let PSC regulate some private water companies; budget, coverage limits discussed
Summary
The House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee voted to pass HB449, a bill to give the Georgia Public Service Commission oversight over certain privately owned water systems that use surface water, while lawmakers debated budget needs, a 15% rate-related provision and protections for small systems.
The House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee voted Monday morning to pass HB449, a bill by Representative Rhodes that would give the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulatory authority over certain private water companies that use surface water and serve larger customer bases.
The bill won committee approval by voice vote after questions from multiple members about rate limits, the PSC's capacity and protections for small or rural systems.
Representative John Rhodes, the bill's author, told the committee private water companies currently operate with little state oversight and said, "We're 1 of 5 states that do not regulate private water companies." He also told members the PSC will need funding to staff and run the new oversight program, estimating a budget requirement of about $750,000 to $1.2 million.
The measure includes…
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