Wednesday, January 17, 2001
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Wednesday, January 17, 2001 |
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Hecht bill takes on natural gas problems State Sen. Greg Hecht, who represents north Fayette, has filed a measure aimed at slowing natural gas price increases and improving billing procedures. Senate Resolution 13 forms a study committee to field complaints and input from citizens and businesses around the state, gain explanations from providers, review billing processes, and to look for legislative solutions to changing prices, demand and changing times with regard to the provision of natural gas. "We need to find answers to the continuing problems facing our constituents regarding the provision of natural gas," said Hecht. "While not laying blame, we need to determine the reasons behind the continuing escalation in natural gas prices, demand problems and billing irregularities posed to consumers recently. "Citizens, businesses and the Legislature deserve to know the reasons for these problems and any potential solutions for enactment," he added. Lawmakers need to find out the effect of deregulation on natural gas pricing and billing practices, Hecht said. "No one is stating that deregulation caused the increase in prices, but whether deregulation has resulted in increased prices or not is an area which must be determined," he said. Businesses and citizens have had their bills delayed as much as 90 days, he said, resulting in huge bills being delivered at one time. Many industry representatives said prices would level off or go down after deregulation, and that hasn't happened, he added. "In this most pressing time of winter for our homes and businesses, the issues of the provision, billing and pricing of natural gas is critical to Georgia citizens and businesses," he said. The study committee will request citizen, business and provider input, according to Hecht, and will request information and assistance from the Public Service Commission, and the legislators will request recommendations. Hecht hopes to pass the resolution for a study committee that would begin hearings in May or June. "The result will hopefully include legislative remedies and more tools for the PSC to handle problems," he said. Hecht's 34th District includes portions of Clayton, Douglas, Fayette and Fulton counties.
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