AGL Seeks Universal Service Fund funds for Compressed Natural Gas Fuel Stations
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper, Atlanta Gas Light company is seeking ten million dollars from the Universal Service Fund, to fund compressed natural gas fueled stations. APN previously reported that the USF is supposed to be to expand gas service lines and to provide assistance to low-income customers. The Georgia Public Service Commission, which administers the Fund, released 5 million dollars for seniors earlier this month, leaving about 25 million still in the Fund.
AGL and another company, owned by T. Boone Pickens, are fighting over who will get the contract, or the monopoly on what might be a new fuel of tomorrow.
The question is, should USF moneys be used for purposes other than those specified by law? Is this to become a slush fund for the PSC? Why not release more of the funds for low-income energy assistance?
If compressed natural gas is such a good thing, why can’t they approach the legislature to appropriate funds to develop this new industry in Georgia?