Georgia Public Service Commission approves Integrated Capacity and Delivery Plan for Atlanta Gas Light

Typical residential customers can expect a monthly rate adjustment of $2.21 to fund critical system investments enabling Atlanta Gas Light to ensure safety and reliability while meeting increasing demand

ATLANTA - Dec. 20, 2022 - Following an Administrative Session, the Public Service Commission has approved Atlanta Gas Light's Integrated Capacity Development Plan (i-CDP), as well as its annual Georgia Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) filing.

The i-CDP provides insight into the company's long-range plans for initiatives that will enable it to meet increased demand and deliver superior customer service while continuing to serve the state safely and reliably. The GRAM filing is an annual procedure that incrementally adjusts customer rates up or down based on a comprehensive regulatory review.

While Atlanta Gas Light was previously required to submit forecasts of its gas supply needs in only three-year increments, the company moved to a 10-year forecast because the planning process for implementing interstate supply projects has grown more complex, often requiring many years to complete. The 10-year outlook also forecasts the capital investment needed to safely deliver that supply.

As a result of the PSC's decision, typical residential customers can anticipate a monthly bill increase of $2.21 (approximately 6% of the total bill). These bill changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

"Atlanta Gas Light continues to meet the increased demand for natural gas and deliver superior customer service while serving the state safely and reliably," said Pedro Cherry, president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light. "By responsibly managing our business, we are keeping this cost increase below the current rate of inflation for our customers."

Moving to a longer-range planning horizon provides a more accurate and comprehensive view of Atlanta Gas Light's long-term plans and increases transparency into proposed work in advance of ratemaking proceedings. This new process is expected to ultimately generate more stable and predictable rates.

Examples of initiatives in the i-CDP approved by the PSC include:

• Pipeline replacement: Atlanta Gas Light will continue its infrastructure modernization program, which has enhanced the safety of its system and reduced the company's emissions footprint by updating aging pipelines. Between 1998 and 2018, pipeline replacement helped Atlanta Gas Light reduce annual methane emissions by 59% while growing its distribution system by 21%.
• Pipeline inspection safety: In anticipation of new federal guidelines, the company will work to ensure transmission pipelines have the capability to use new safety tools, such as smart pig equipment, to inspect the internal condition of pipelines.
• Remote-control valve installation: To enhance safety and utilize best practices, Atlanta Gas Light will install more remote-control valves that control the flow of natural gas in pipelines from centralized locations.
• Regulator station upgrades: To help ensure regulator stations are continuously operating and maintained according to federal regulation and industry best practices, Atlanta Gas Light will make upgrades to these facilities.
• Pipeline pressure improvements:
  • The Peachtree-Piedmont Road Project: A ongoing pipeline replacement project in this growth corridor will help ensure Atlanta Gas Light's infrastructure has the capacity to safely operate on the coldest days of the year, when demand is at its highest.
  • The Cumming to Hall County Pipeline: This project will help meet rising requests for natural gas service in this area by installing more than 28 miles of new natural gas infrastructure reaching this region.
• The Cherokee Liquefied Natural Gas Expansion Project: When the LNG storage facility in Cherokee County was constructed in 1988 it was equipped for a second storage tank. This project will expand the existing facility by installing the second tank, which will help increase the company's natural gas supply and meet demand on peak days. The new LNG tank will allow Atlanta Gas Light to purchase gas when it is most affordable, while safely storing it for use during periods of peak demand.

To keep the PSC apprised of these long-term projects' progress and to maintain accountability, an updated i-CDP will be filed every three years.

To learn more about how Atlanta Gas Light is meeting the needs of its approximately 1.7 million customers, visit atlantagaslight.com.

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