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WZTV FOX 17 - Top Stories
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - State lawmakers are considering a bill to make it easier for companies like Piedmont Natural Gas to change the rates you pay each year. This legislation would only apply to investor owned utilities like Piedmont and Atmos Energy, not public utilities. Piedmont has been working to ease fears about a 13 mile pipeline that will run through southwest Davidson County. Now there are concerns pending legislation could make it easier for utilities like Piedmont to raise rates.
"I'm interested in the bill because I think it favors the consumer, believe it or not," says Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville).
Senator Norris says the current rate review process for utility companies is lengthy and complicated. He believes streamlining the process will benefit the utilities and customers.
"It would give an opportunity for an annual review rather than every 4 years which is now," says Senator Norris. "When you do have rate increases on a 4 year basis you can have big spikes in those fluctuations."
State Attorney General Bob Cooper has expressed concerns the legislation could allow investor-owned utilities to inflate and raise rates without having to justify the increases. Senator Norris disagrees.
"Give this a try, let's see if that's the case," says Senator Norris. "I think the more frequent review is going to result in more scrutiny rather than less."
David Trusty, a spokesperson for Piedmont, says streamlining the process for rate adjustments doesn't mean costs will automatically go up.
"The perception being that anytime a company like Piedmont goes to the TRA or regulatory agency it's to raise rates," says Trusty. "The truth of the matter is since 2008, some 5 years ago, we've been back to the TRA 7 or 8 times to lower our rates."
Trusty says cutting government red tape for the utility doesn't mean getting rid of oversight.
"Streamlining doesn't mean you cannot be efficient and maintain proper balance between interest of consumers and the interest of the utilities," says Trusty.
"I'm interested in the bill because I think it favors the consumer, believe it or not," says Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville).
Senator Norris says the current rate review process for utility companies is lengthy and complicated. He believes streamlining the process will benefit the utilities and customers.
"It would give an opportunity for an annual review rather than every 4 years which is now," says Senator Norris. "When you do have rate increases on a 4 year basis you can have big spikes in those fluctuations."
State Attorney General Bob Cooper has expressed concerns the legislation could allow investor-owned utilities to inflate and raise rates without having to justify the increases. Senator Norris disagrees.
"Give this a try, let's see if that's the case," says Senator Norris. "I think the more frequent review is going to result in more scrutiny rather than less."
David Trusty, a spokesperson for Piedmont, says streamlining the process for rate adjustments doesn't mean costs will automatically go up.
"The perception being that anytime a company like Piedmont goes to the TRA or regulatory agency it's to raise rates," says Trusty. "The truth of the matter is since 2008, some 5 years ago, we've been back to the TRA 7 or 8 times to lower our rates."
Trusty says cutting government red tape for the utility doesn't mean getting rid of oversight.
"Streamlining doesn't mean you cannot be efficient and maintain proper balance between interest of consumers and the interest of the utilities," says Trusty.
Monday, March 11 2013, 11:48 PM CDT
Tennessee News
Man facing extradition for murder claims innocence
June 17, 2013 20:24 GMT
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A former U.S. Marine facing extradition to the Philippines on double murder charges says he is innocent.
Timothy Kaufman has been in jail since his arrest in April at business near his grandfather's Albany-area home. The 35-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn., is one of three men charged by Philippine authorities with killing a retired Northern Ireland police officer and his girlfriend in 2011.
Authorities claim it was a premeditated killing in an area known for its sometimes-seamy club scene.
In a handwritten letter sent to the media from jail, Kaufman says he would never do something as "heinous and stupid" as killing the couple. He says he left the country after the killings because he feared for his safety.
An extradition hearing is scheduled for June 25 in Albany federal court.
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