ATLANTA, Ga., (November 1, 2011) – The Georgia Public Service Commission today took the first step towards incentivizing the construction of a network of Compressed Natural Gas fueling stations around the state. The Commission adopted by a vote of 4-1 a revised plan that allows Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) to use $11.57 million from the Universal Service Fund (USF) to provide funds for compressed natural gas (CNG) equipment for private investors who build CNG fueling stations. The Commission plan as adopted allows for the CNG stations to serve both retail and commercial consumers. In addition, private investors are not required to make a 50 percent capital investment in the cost of the CNG stations, a change from the AGLC most recent filing. Under the Commission approved plan, the USF funding will only be available to purchase CNG equipment for five years.
“I am pleased to see this proposal take the first step toward providing a statewide network of CNG fueling stations,” said Commissioner Doug Everett, who in July 2010 had challenged AGLC to file a proposal for the CNG network, “This program will allow more Georgians to take advantage of an alternative fuel that is cleaner and less expensive than current fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel.”
Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, Jr. added, “I applaud my colleague for his work to make this proposal come to fruition. We at the Commission continue to work to promote energy conservation and alternative forms of energy.”
The legislature approved changes in the law this year (Senate Bill 108) which specifically allows the USF to be utilized for natural gas fueling infrastructure for motor vehicles. The Commission supported this change. AGLC filed their original plan on September 7, 2010 and then filed a revised proposal on May 12, 2011.
