But when state Representative Carl Rogers, R-Gainesville, heard of the petition he had to disagree. Rogers felt that asking for the rate increase during the current down economy, just as the home heating season was approaching, was not right.
So Rogers asked the PSC to come to Gainesville and to allow public comment on the proposed increase. The PSC agreed to Roger's request, but Monday night's special open forum at the Hall County Courthouse Annex was sparsely attended. Of the dozen or so non-partisans in the audience only five came forward to share their thoughts.
Jim Pilgrim of Gainesville was the first to address the Commission and was in full agreement with Rogers as he explained, â
Carl Rogers asked for special hearing
Jim Pilgrim expressed his concern
Bill Crenshaw said the rate hike would be a burden. “my wife and I are still at the age where we’re still working. We didn’t get any raises from our companies. We live week to week. It’s just not a good idea.”
Joel Ames, Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos, agreed that there is never a good time to increase gas rates, but, for instance, there are federally mandated costs with which Atmos must comply. Recently they had to spend $12 million on compliance it
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