The rule would require telecommunications companies offering the Lifeline discount to either: 1. Bill and collect a $5.00 per month charge from each Lifeline subscriber for participating in the program; or 2. Provide eligible customers a minimum of 500 minutes of use per month. The NOPR eliminates the previously adopted requirement of photo identification for all Lifeline applicants. The revised rule takes effect on January 31, 2014 in order to provide telecommunications providers time to implement it.

“I proposed this rule to reduce fraud, waste and abuse in the Lifeline discount program” said Commissioner Everett, “I want to make sure this program is done right and I believe this new rule will accomplish that goal and keep the program viable for those who truly need it.”

In other action, the Commission unanimously verified and approved the construction expenditures on the Georgia Power Company’s Plant Vogtle construction project for the period from July 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 as part of the Company’s Eighth Semi-Annual Vogtle Construction Monitoring Report in Docket 29849. The expenditures total $209 million for a cumulative capital cost of $2.21 billion. The Company had previously filed a request to amend its certificate for the project in order to reflect increased costs. However the Stipulation approved by the Commission on September 3, 2013 postponed the Company’s request until the completion of Unit 3 which is now tentatively scheduled for late 2017.

Additional information can be found on the Commission web site, www.psc.state.ga.us.