The Georgia Public Service Commission has one again delayed its votes on whether or not to continue closed meetings with the utility companies it’s supposed to monitor. Today’s vote was to determine whether it not disputes between utilities and commissioners would be hammered out behind closed doors.
However, a last-minute amendment by PSC commissioner Doug Everett means the vote is delayed for the third time this year. The amendment changes the definition of who can be an interested party in a dispute.
Commission head Bobby Baker calls the amendment vague, ill-defined and a stall tactic. He says the majority of commissioners do not like secret meetings. Commissioner Baker said, “If you look at the vote and you look and listen to, or look at the comments that have been made on the record, you would think it would break down on a four-to-one vote, with four commissioners supporting ex parte. So, I think you need to not look at what is said, or done, but look at the intent.”
Commissioner Everett was not available for comment. The Commission will meet next month for another attempt to vote on secret hearings.
However, a last-minute amendment by PSC commissioner Doug Everett means the vote is delayed for the third time this year. The amendment changes the definition of who can be an interested party in a dispute.
Commission head Bobby Baker calls the amendment vague, ill-defined and a stall tactic. He says the majority of commissioners do not like secret meetings. Commissioner Baker said, “If you look at the vote and you look and listen to, or look at the comments that have been made on the record, you would think it would break down on a four-to-one vote, with four commissioners supporting ex parte. So, I think you need to not look at what is said, or done, but look at the intent.”
Commissioner Everett was not available for comment. The Commission will meet next month for another attempt to vote on secret hearings.
