ATLANTA – State Representative Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro) recently introduced House Bill 1220, legislation that would address current concerns surrounding the lack of oversight on private water companies in Georgia.
“As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure fairness and accountability in all sectors, including essential services like water provision,” said Rep. Rhodes. “House Bill 1220 not only addresses the lack of oversight on private water companies, but it would also protect consumers’ rights and level the playing field for all. Municipalities and county water departments are accountable to the voters, and it’s time to extend that same level of transparency and accountability to all players in Georgia’s water industry. HB 1220 aims to bridge the gap, ensuring that every consumer, regardless of their water provider, can trust in a system that prioritizes their interests and well-being.”
HB 1220 would amend current powers and duties of Georgia’s Public Service Commission to require that any water company serving 1,000 or more customer service connections within Georgia would fall under the jurisdiction of the commission. In addition, the commission would have the authority to regulate the rates and prices charged by these companies for their services.
The full text of HB 1220 may be found here.
Representative Trey Rhodes represents the citizens of District 124, which includes Greene, Oglethorpe and Taliaferro counties, as well as portions of Clarke and Putnam counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves as Chairman on the Game, Fish & Parks Committee.
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