Georgia Senate: Live Blogging Senate Debate on SB 31

As the State Senate begins debate on SB 31, the bill allowing Georgia Power and potentially other companies to charge customers for construction costs of nuclear power plants, two amendments aim to ease consumer watchdog concerns.

The first would require the Public Service Commission to look at the entire financial health of a power company when recovering costs.

Another amendment is expected shortly that would allow some seniors at or below the poverty line to be excluded from paying the bill.
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Don Balfour, the Republican State Senator introducing the bill, says passage of this bill, will, among other things, help keep carpet manufacturing jobs in North Georgia

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Democrat Rob Brown of Macon challeneges Balfour's assesment that Florida has a similar plan. Brown rightfully notes Florida is trying to stop their version of this bill.

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Senator Nan Orrock asks Balfour what about seniors who are paying into this, and might not be here when the power is produced?

"Seniors in my district aren't telling me they're going to die in six years," Balfour responds.

Balfour again mentions the carpet industry. Quick aside: Dalton Utilities owns a stake in Plant Vogtle.

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Orrock asks whether industrials got a carve out in this bill so they would get on board?

Balfour: That's not true. That's not true what so ever...

1147 (paraphrasing)

Orrock: Have you looked at the impact to the taxpayer, because the cost to power the state buildings would increase as a result?

Balfour: It will cost less in the long run, offsetting any increase begining in 2011 (when the charge is applied).

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Republican Senator Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga: Isn't true only Georgia Power has to go in front of the PSC to increase rates?

Balfour: Yes.

Mullis: Shouldn't every one have to go in front of the PSC to level the playing field?

Balfour: That would "cause a firestorm."

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Q: Isn't this about security for Georgia Power's rates?

Balfour: Yes. This provides security to GP.

1157-Real Debate Begins!

David Adelman: Balfour is a great guy who "is carrying a lousy bill for Georgia Power."

String music is playing from somewhere in the capitol and is flooding into the Senate Chamber, giving Adelman's speech a very dramatic effect as he talks about regulatory compacts. Imagine the theme from "Jaws" meets long discussion on nuances of power rate compacts.

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Adleman still talking. Says Southern Company is fine corporate citizen. Then says "What this bill does... is suggest the general assembly, should inject itself into the regulatory compact, on an issue, where the Georgia PSC staff as well as it's consultants, have said otherwise."

Adleman: This is not the first time Georgia Power has needed financing. The Georgia PSC has handled those before.