HB 449 — Public utilities; subject certain companies providing water services to regulation by Public Service Commission

This legislation proposes to regulate certain private water service companies in Georgia by subjecting them to oversight by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Specifically, it applies to private water companies that serve 5,000 or more customer connections. The bill requires that any rate increases of 15% or more within a three-year period be reviewed and approved by the PSC before implementation. Additionally, these companies must maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and make them available to the PSC upon request. The bill also grants the PSC the authority to establish rules and regulations for enforcing these provisions.

Furthermore, House Bill 449 mandates that the PSC conduct regular assessments of its jurisdiction over these water companies and make recommendations to the Georgia General Assembly regarding any necessary legislative changes. The bill aims to ensure that rates charged by these companies remain fair and reasonable, protecting consumers from excessive price increases.