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State extends price-gouging statute

Consumers urged to report problems

Gov. Sonny Perdue has extended the state’s price gouging statute to protect Georgia consumers from unlawful price increases in gas prices and other products. The temporary law will now expire at midnight Oct. 14.

The shutdown of refineries and pipelines prior to Hurricane Rita making landfall have shrunk the fuel supply, particularly with diesel fuel, officials said.

“Most gas retailers in Georgia have maintained fair prices, reflecting the basic law of supply and demand,” Perdue said. “We will continue to protect Georgians from the small minority of businesses who may try to exploit an already difficult situation.”

State revenue agents will be monitoring gas prices across Georgia and investigating proprietors when necessary. Citizens are encouraged to report suspected price gouging at www.gasgouger.org or by calling 404-651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123.

Prices are allowed to increase when a retailer replenishes its existing stock at current market rates, maintaining the same markup percentage he or she applied prior to the enactment of the price gouging statue.

Gov. Perdue signed an executive order last week requiring more use of alternative work schedules or telecommuting options for all state employees. That includes scheduling four-day, 10-hour work schedules.

The following state agencies have taken action to conserve fuel:

• The Georgia Department of Transportation has added 295 employees to its teleworking program, and implemented a four-day work week throughout the department where possible. DOT will have 3,605 out of 5,800 employees statewide working four 10-hour days. With average commute currently being 30 miles one way and an average of 20 miles per gallon, DOT predicts its employees will save 10,815 gallons of gasoline per week.

• Department of Administrative Services - Through additional telework and alternative work schedules, DOAS will reduce trips by more than 500 per month and expects to save more than 1,200 gallons of fuel.

• Georgia Building Authority - 56 percent of its workforce is transitioning to alternative work schedules, including telecommuting. The agency has also suspended all travel for the immediate future.

• Department of Corrections - More than 875 employees are participating in alternative work schedules or telecommuting. The agency expects to save approximately 3400 gallons of fuel per week.

• Georgia Forestry Commission - The agency is working to reduce vehicle energy consumption by 15 percent and to increase its Work Away program participation to 20 percent of its employees.

• Department of Driver Services - The department has increased its Work Away eligible employees from 33 percent to 59 percent.

• Department of Community Health - 32 percent of its employees are currently working alternative schedules, and that number will increase this 10 percent by October 1.

• State Board of Pardons and Paroles - The Parole Board has added 28 additional teleworkers and 41 additional employees with alternative work week schedules. Parole officers are traveling from their homes into the field supervising parolees, instead of beginning and ending their work days from local parole offices across the state, thereby eliminating unnecessary trips.

• Department of Juvenile Justice - All employees not assigned to a secure facility are working a compressed work week schedule until further notice.

• Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Appropriate personnel are teleworking to the maximum extent possible and non-sworn personnel unable to telework are on a four-day work week.