Podcasts about Public Service Commission

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, A conversation with Noah Ginsberg of New York Solar Energy Industries Association. Noah discusses with HMM producer Mark Dunlea the Energy industries' success of meeting NYS's climate law goal for community solar energy generation and the funding cuts recently decided on by the Public Service Commission. Next, Part 3 of a conversation that I had with League of Women voters advocate Amy Vastola about her advocacy work and why she does it! Then, we'll hear about the return of the “Nature Bus,” a FREE service offered by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) that takes folks on routes from downtown Albany to parks and trails in the region. After that, Comedian Tyler Artis spoke with producers Andrea Cunliffe and Sina Basila Hickey. Artis is one of the hosts of the weekly comedy open mic at The Local 217 in Albany, Thursdays at 9. And finally, Thom Francis highlights local poet and artist Melissa Anderson, who was the featured reader at the Third Thursday Poetry Night. Co- hosts: Caelan McPherson & Marsha Lazarus Engineer: Jalaya Reid

New York State's climate law – CLCPA - set a goal of installing six gigawatts of distributed rooftop and community solar energy generation by 2025. New York achieved the 6 GW goal in 2024 - one year ahead of schedule and $421 million under budget. Most of the state's other climate goals are not being met. The success was largely due to the NY-Sun program, which reduces the cost of installing solar for New Yorkers. While the state has now set a goal of 10 GW by 2030, the Public Service Commission recently decided to cut by $271 million the funding for the program. Solar companies and advocates are rallying this Wednesday May 28 at 11 AM at the Capitol to reverse this decision. Noah Ginsberg of New York Solar Energy Industries Association talks about the issue with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On the Wednesday, May 21 edition of Georgia Today: Atlanta housing authority is offering 20 years of property tax relief to seniors; an autonomous vehicle company is coming to Georgia; does the state's Public Service Commission actually consider what people say during public comment periods?

Are the Greens bonkers? The Greens have come out and criticised Judith Collins for tinkering with the Public Service Commission census – that's a voluntary survey run over three weeks and it's a follow up to the initial 2021 survey of the same name. Now Judith Collins and her office had a look at the 2021 survey, and they suggested a few changes. They had thoughts about the census, and they said we don't really need the questions about disability, rainbow identities, religion, te reo Māori proficiency levels, on-the-job training, and agencies' commitment to the Māori-Crown relationship. Instead, Judith Collins' office said, we want to put in a new question about whether public servants give excellent value for my salary, there are instances when I consider my work wastes taxpayers money, or I would rate my manager as someone who cares about the effect of my work. They're focused on productivity rather than personal well-being, which seems to be what the 2021 survey was all about. So the Greens and PSA Union have come out and said it's a form of political censorship, he says several ministers seemed more interested in fighting imported culture wars – there's all kinds of criticism for putting in questions on productivity. Judith Collins says she doesn't really care, to be honest. She says: “I think the Greens are frankly bonkers. I mean, how can they find it difficult that the public service should be delivering value for money? The Greens can go off on their fine little tangents. Frankly, that's their problem. I think it's very, very important.” So bonkers. The Greens received the same criticism from some quarters when they released their Budget this week. They pledged, among other things, free GP visits, free childcare, funded through new taxes and increased borrowing. The policies include a wealth tax, a private jet tax, ending interest deductibility for landlords, restoring the 10 year bright-line test, doubling minerals royalties, and changes to ACC levies. It would see net debt climb from 45% of GDP to above 53% by the 2028/29 financial year. Criticism was immediate. Idealistic pie in the sky, policies that would mean the death knell for Kiwi businesses. Clown show, economics, Marxism. You probably heard it, you may even have uttered a few criticisms yourself of the Budget. But is it bonkers? Yes, net debt would climb from 45% of GDP to above 53%, but 60% is considered a sustainable level of debt. It's considered a prudent level of debt by economists around the world. Sure, they're talking bigger economies and when you're a smaller economy, you don't have as much wiggle room, 60% would probably be way too much for a country as small as ours. But 53% – is that completely unsustainable? And do all Kiwi businesses think this is nonsense? I don't think so. Remember the group of millionaires who wrote to the government a year or so ago? I think it was in the final stages of the last Labour government. It was a group of 96 wealthy New Zealanders who called on the government to tax them more. In the open letter, they said the current tax system contributed towards the gap between the poor and the wealthy. They said they didn't mind if the taxation is done through increased income tax or wealth tax, or a capital gains tax, but the increases should only apply to the wealthy. Now, how do you define wealthy? According to the Greens, if you're on $120,000 a year, you should pay more tax, Under the Budget that they released —the proposed alternative Budget— If you're earning 120,000 a year, your tax will go up to 39 cents in the dollar. If you're on $180,000 your tax will go to 45 cents on the dollar. Does that then put you in the group of 96 wealthy New Zealanders wanting to be taxed more? When it comes to the differences between the parties, how helpful is it for the name calling, for the bonkers? Do we need to have a look at what policies might work? Are they aspirational policies? Are they policies that need more thinking through? I mean, when you look at the previous Labour government under Jacinda Ardern, initially there were some great ideas. I thought brilliant, fabulous, but they hadn't been worked through, and the unintended consequences was so damaging, and the fallout was so great, from nice ideas that hadn't been thought through. So before you dismiss ideas completely, is it worth looking through how they might work? Is it worth discussing rather than dismissing ideas completely out of hand? Could there be a generational and ideological divide that blinds us, perhaps to some good ideas? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State must approve three-year agreement Central Hudson on Tuesday (May 13) announced a three-year agreement with the state and other parties that would raise electricity and gas delivery rates for most customers. If the plan is approved by the state Public Service Commission, a typical Central Hudson customer will pay $5.43 (5.09 percent) more per month for electricity delivery during the first year, beginning July 1, and $6.25 and $6.62 more for the subsequent two years. Lower-income customers enrolled in an energy-assistance program would see decreases of $3.85 (4.2 percent) per month. The delivery charge for gas would increase by $7.73 (6.6 percent) per month during the first year and $11.27 and $12.37 in subsequent years. After applying $44 million in bill credits, Central Hudson would collect $144 million in new revenue over the three years, according to a summary of the proposal. The company said it would spend that revenue on infrastructure, higher labor costs and bonuses, energy-efficiency and heat-pump programs and a 9.5 percent return on shareholder equity. Central Hudson also agreed to provide customer bills in Spanish, continue outreach to households about energy assistance and award up to $200,000 in grants for workforce training in green-energy fields. Opponents and supporters of the proposal, whose signatories include the state Department of Public Service, have until May 23 to submit statements to the PSC, which scheduled a hearing for June 13. "At Central Hudson, we understand the financial challenges that rising bills place on our customers, and we are committed to easing this burden by implementing a rate plan that balances essential system investments with the need to keep costs as low as possible," said Steph Raymond, the utility's president and CEO. Those costs, however, have been rising for Central Hudson's 315,000 electric and 90,000 gas customers. The most recent rate increase, approved by the PSC in July 2024, was for a one-year hike of $12.65 per month for the average electric bill and $12.25 for gas. The following month, Central Hudson submitted a request for another one-year increase to electric and gas delivery rates of $9 a month. The agreement announced on Tuesday replaces that request. Assembly Member Jonathan Jacobson, a Democrat whose district includes Beacon, issued his verdict on Wednesday (May 14), urging the PSC to reject the proposed agreement. He said the return on equity is "good for shareholders of Fortis [Central Hudson's parent company] but not for its customers," who include 6,853 households in Beacon, 3,646 in Philipstown, 1,270 in Cold Spring and 326 in Nelsonville.

The Public Service Minister Judith Collins insisted questions about a person's religion and gender identity be taken out of workforce survey done by independent Public Service Commission. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Customers again will be returned to Central Hudson Philipstown residents and businesses receiving fixed-rate electricity through Hudson Valley Community Power will be transferred back to Central Hudson because the program administrator ran out of time to extend the contract. In what is known as a community choice aggregation (CCA) program, municipalities contract with a third-party supplier to offer residents and businesses a fixed rate for electricity, although Central Hudson continues to provide delivery and billing. Cold Spring, Nelsonville, Philipstown and nine other municipalities (not including Beacon) agreed to participate. Residents and businesses are added to the program automatically but can opt out. Hudson Valley Community Power was negotiating to extend a contract that ends June 30. Mike Gordon, founder and chief strategy officer for the program administrator, Joule Assets, said in a letter to municipalities that "times are deeply uncertain at the moment and electricity prices rose quickly in response." Nelsonville Mayor Chris Winward read the letter at the April 21 Village Board meeting. Although prices have fallen more recently, Gordon said Joule lacked enough time to meet new guidelines created by the state utility regulator, the Public Service Commission, to notify and educate customers about new pricing before June 30. Because the "political and economic environment is so volatile," Joule does expect "opportunities to lock in some advantageous pricing" over the next two to three months. Joule will spend those months learning "how best to work through" the new PSC regulations, said Jessica Stromback, the company's CEO. "The order is, let everybody go back to the utility and not scramble," she said on Wednesday (May 7). "That process is smooth; the utility understands it. There's no interruption in service." Under the current contract, residents and businesses in the CCA pay a default rate of 12.24 cents per kilowatt hour for 100 percent renewable energy in Cold Spring and 11.24 cents per kilowatt-hour for 50 percent renewable energy in Nelsonville and Philipstown. Those customers will be charged Central Hudson's variable rate starting July 1. As of April 10, Central Hudson's standard supply rate was 10.3 cents per kilowatt-hour. Last year's summer rates, when electricity demand is higher, averaged 9.6 cents per kilowatt-hour. (Central Hudson charges a separate rate for delivery.) "[The CCA] pricing was high, but it was locked in and we knew what it would be," Winward said at last month's meeting. "We don't know what the volatility of Central Hudson's rates are going to bring us." The July 1 transition will mark the second time residents and businesses enrolled in Hudson Valley Community Power have been sent back to Central Hudson. A former supplier, Columbia Utilities, defaulted on a contract to provide renewable energy at 6.6 cents per kilowatt-hour for residences and 7.1 cents for small businesses, including those in Beacon, Cold Spring and Philipstown. In April 2022, Columbia notified the PSC that it intended to return customers to Central Hudson. A state judge on Dec. 5 approved a $1.5 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by the municipalities against Columbia Utilities. The company admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to a $1 million payment into a settlement fund and $50,000 monthly payments by June 1, 2025, to cover the balance. The Ulster County judge overseeing the case also approved $286,585 in attorney fees and up to $56,500 in administrative costs. Eligible customers began receiving checks for about $50 last month.

John Maytham is joined by public law attorney Michael Evans to unpack his five point plan for rescuing South Africa’s struggling municipalities. With only 13 percent of municipalities achieving clean audits in 2024 and over R107 billion owed to Eskom and water boards, Evans outlines practical structural reforms including cutting the number of municipalities, banning cadre deployment, and changing coalition governance rules to restore service delivery and local accountability ahead of the 2026 elections. Follow us on:CapeTalk on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapeTalkCapeTalk on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@capetalkCapeTalk on Instagram: www.instagram.com/capetalkzaCapeTalk on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567CapeTalk on X: www.x.com/CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TODAY South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, under the theme, "United in Resilience for The Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy." President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the main celebration at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo, Mpumalanga. This year's celebration coincides with the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, a foundation on which our Constitution was drafted. 2025 also marks 29 years anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic. The 27th of April 1994 was a watershed moment for many South Africans that carried promises of a better life. Despite efforts to implement policies and programmes that advance equality and human dignity in areas like economic empowerment, education, health care, social support and the provision of basic services, many challenges still persist. Unemployment, crime, corruption, and deteriorating service delivery top the list and South Africa also remains a highly unequal society. In our Sunday Morning Discussion want to explore whether this freedom we are celebrating TODAY, freedom that we all cherish, is shaping a shared future for all South Africans. To discuss this Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission and board member of The Indlulamithi Scenarios which examine different visions of how South Africa's 2030 future might unfold. Also joining us is Neeshan Balton, Executive Director at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.....

Bob Bosold brings us a conversation with a New Zealand dairy farmer, Chris Adams, at Bright View Farms at the "bottom of the world." Dairy has taken over sheep as their largest industry. This month's DFW Checkoff Chat has Charitee Seebecker visiting with Gary Kohn. Even though June is a few months away, dairy marketers and farmers are preparing for June Dairy Month. A June dairy breakfast -- or any breakfast -- isn't complete without maple syrup. Ben Jarboe catches up with Jim Adamski in Antigo. Jim says the sap has stopped running, but the producers have not. The work at the sugarbush is year-round. Wisconsin continues working toward its goal of getting everyone access to high-speed internet. Alyssa Kenny with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has an update.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins Marc & Kim to unpack a month of quiet corruption in the state legislature. Lamping slams the new utility bill signed by Governor Parson, calling it a stealth tax hike that allows Ameren to charge customers upfront for unbuilt energy projects. He warns of rate hikes with zero transparency and blasts the revolving door between utility companies and the Public Service Commission. Lamping also discusses Ian Mackey's merger bill and why it's likely more setup for 2026 than a real threat this year. Plus, he breaks down the 'previous question' tactic and why the GOP rarely flexes that muscle even when they should. Missouri's legislature might be winding down, but the backroom deals are just heating up.

April 1, 2025 - State Sen. Shelley Mayer, a Westchester County Democrat, wants to overhaul the state Public Service Commission and reform the way energy utility bills are set in order to control costs for ratepayers in New York.

Questions to Ministers TODD STEPHENSON to the Associate Minister of Justice: Why is this Government adjusting the funding criteria for the Proceeds of Crime Fund? TANYA UNKOVICH to the Minister for Rail: Is the Cook Strait ferry replacement programme on track? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Will the average jobseeker beneficiary subjected to compulsory money management be able to afford their rent and bills? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Acting Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Grocery Sector): What recent reports has she seen on grocery competition? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement yesterday that "The Treasury got its forecasts before the election plain wrong"; if so, why should the public believe future Treasury forecasts? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Justice: What actions has the Government taken to restore real consequences for crime? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by her statement regarding the release of the rates of reoffending by participants of the military-style academy pilot that "Oranga Tamariki is of the understanding that they follow my instructions that these young people's privacy is the most important thing, and making sure that we're taking care of the wellbeing and the safety of these young people comes first and foremost before anything else"; if so, did she direct Oranga Tamariki to withhold the rates of reoffending by participants of the military-style academy pilot? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for the Public Service: What recent reports has she seen from the Public Service Commission? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister of Local Government: Does he agree with Standard & Poor's that their ratings downgrade of 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations "reflects factors including the quick passage and repeal of several key laws governing local councils, the cancellation of various Crown grant programs, an increase in unfunded mandates, and recent announcements about infrastructure financing options"; if not, why not? LAN PHAM to the Minister of Conservation: Does he agree with the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries' statement that "Locals have raised serious concerns about the decline of spiny rock lobster in the inner Hauraki Gulf, and this has been backed up by fishery-independent research. I share these concerns and ... I've decided to stop spiny rock lobster fishing in the inner Gulf"; if so, is he also committed to protections in the Hauraki Gulf? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister of Police: Does he agree with the statement by the member for Wellington Central that people "do not want to see police officers everywhere, and, for a lot of people, it makes them feel less safe"; if not, why not? Question to Member Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Chairperson of the Justice Committee: Will he report the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to the House before all submissions have been processed and considered by members?

Several hundred New Yorkers rallied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, March 19 as part of the Renewable Heat Now campaign. The lobbyists gathered for a lunch time rally on the Million Dollar Staircase to encourage state lawmakers and the Governor to include the NY Heat in the State Budget which is due April 1. NY Heat would require state agencies – especially the Public Service Commission – to align their actions and policies with the state's climate law (CLCPA) and to cap utility bills for low-income New Yorkers at 6% of their income. The Assembly has not supported the bill while the Governor has balked at the 6% cap though that is already a PSC goal. We hear from Liz Moran of Earth Justice followed by the two main legislative sponsors of the bill” Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember JoAnn Simon, who replaced Pat Fahy as the lead Assembly sponsor when Fahy moved over to the Senate. We also hear from Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, who is also with DSA. We finish up with a short statement from Assemblymemeber Tony Simone. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. (Part 2)

Several hundred New Yorkers traveled to the state Capitol on Wednesday March 19 as part of the Renewable Heat Now campaign. A main focus was the passage of the NY Heat Act, which passed the Senate last year but stalled in the State Assembly. NY Heat would require state agencies - especially the Public Service Commission - to align their policies and regulations with the state's climate law (CLCPA) and to cap utility bills for low-income New Yorkers at 6% of their income. The Assembly has not supported the bill while the Governor has balked at the 6% cap though that is already a PSC goal. We hear from Jessica Azulay of AGREE; Emily Skydel of Food and Water Watch; Betta Broad of New Yorkers for Clean Power; and Michael Hernandez of Rewiring America.

The Public Service Commission voted to remove vice chairman Davante Lewis after he called Governor Landry an "A-hole" on social media. It's part of a larger pattern of punishing public figures for speaking out against Trump and Governor Landry. What happened to the free speech warriors? Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, joins Ian Hoch to explain the situation.

In the latest episode of Public Power Now, Dennis McFee, CEO and General Manager at Public Service Commission of Yazoo City, Mississippi, provides an update on the public power utility's comprehensive multi-year initiative designed to significantly enhance power reliability and resiliency for customers in Yazoo City.

With rising electricity rates and the Maryland General Assembly considering over 50 energy-related bills, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Jason Stanek, the executive director of PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission operator for 14 states including Maryland and DC, and the body responsible for managing the electricity market. Stanek was previously chair of the state's Public Service Commission. Music by Washington art-pop rock band Catscan!

In  the beginning of this interview Commissioner Skrmetta clears up what happened today pertaining to why Davante Lewis was removed from his Vice Chair position.   And then Commissioner Skrmetta gives an update on things the PSC has been working on.

A push for government agencies to raise the bar when handling public data. The Public Service Commission's revealed multiple failures by Stats New Zealand, Health New Zealand, and the Ministry of Health, with regard to safeguarding data. It comes after allegations surfaced last June about a potential misuse of Census and Covid vaccine data by providers at Manurewa Marae. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking that there's a broader issue. He says the model that's been used is very good and the people who work in it are amazing, but the model is no longer fit for purpose. "We live in a world that's changing dramatically, we've got the adoption of technology and all of those things, and we need to sort of face into that and get ahead of the curve.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new standard for Government agencies handling data will be set after today's bombshell report. The Public Service Commission has released a report detailing failures by Stats NZ, Health NZ and the Ministry of Health. It's after allegations surfaced in June that Census and Covid vaccination data was inappropriately used at Manurewa Marae. It's highlighted a lack of safeguards - even when concerns were raised within Stats NZ, whose acting head is now stepping down. It found agencies also failed to address conflicts-of-interest by providers working with Covid data. Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says contracting requirements for third-parties will change. "We are just being clear about the duty of care required on people who access public money to discharge services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposed project in the Kenosha County town of Paris draws numerous speakers at a Public Service Commission hearing.

As Sir Chris Wormald starts his new job as cabinet secretary, two panels – one from Singapore – brought together civil service leaders from other countries to explore how they approached the job and what the UK could learn from their experiences.   Speaking at the IfG:  Pamela Dow, Chief Operating Officer at Civic Future and a former UK civil servant Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government 2015-2021 Martin Fraser, Ambassador of Ireland to the UK, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach 2011–22   Chaired by Alex Thomas, IfG programme director   And with an expert panel at the Global Government Summit in Singapore:    Heather Baggott, Deputy Public Service Commissioner, Public Service Commission, New Zealand Siobhan Benita, Global Government Forum Chair Lord Gus O'Donnell, UK Cabinet Secretary 2005-2011 Taimar Peterkop, Secretary of State, Government Office, Estonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Almost half of New Zealand's public servants are working from home one day a week, according to data released by The Public Service Commission. The IRD and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities have more than 80% of their staff working from home at least once a week. Public Service Association Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it might not be a bad thing. "We want a system whereby public servants are able to work from home, where it offers a win-win for them and for the employer." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FL Public Service Commission voted to hike electricity rates despite sustained opposition from the public and against the recommendation of its own staff.

Happy New Year! What I mean is, Happy “ Fiscal “ New Year. Our state starts a new year with new laws. We'll learn about those new laws from MPB's legislative reporter – Will Stribling. We'll learn what laws didn't pass also.The Mississippi Public Service Commission, on June 13, 2024, approved a new area code to be assigned to the same area occupied by the 662 code. The new area code is 471. Existing 662 customers will keep their current telephone numbers, but new customers, or requests for additional lines, may be assigned the new 471 area code once it's activated. Further updates will be announced as the implementation process begins in late 2025 or early 2026.We had Public Service Commissioner, for the Northern District, Chris Brown on In Legal Terms April 9th. You can listen to that podcast to learn more about the Public Service Commission.You can find out vehicle information by listening to MPB's Auto Correct. On recent broadcast/podcasts Germaine Flood and Master Mechanic Coach Charlie Melton talked about 2 bills that recently passed the Mississippi legislature:House Bill 0349 Squatted vehicles; prohibit modifications to motor vehicle which raise front fender a certain height above the rear fender. bans vehicles with front fenders that are four or more inches higher than rear fenders.Senate Bill 2695 Driver's education; revise certain provisions related thereto.If you're interested in finding out what our Mississippi House and Senate members are up to you can read or watch them online. https://www.legislature.ms.gov/ is the website to read about measures.Now, if you want power yourself – you can register to vote. The Mississippi Secretary of State's website has a wealth of information about registering to vote. October 7th is the deadline for registering to vote in the November general election.AUGUST 7th Qualifying Period Begins. First day candidates may file petitions and/or qualifyingstatements for the offices of County School Board, Municipal Separate School DistrictTrustee, Special Municipal Separate School District Trustee or Consolidated/ConsolidatedLine School District Trustee. Think about it. Could you see yourself on your county's school board?ILT Podcast about voting rightsILT Mobile sports betting podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our year-in-review crew is back to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025. Special guests include: Kara Pennoyer, Chief of Staff to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Summer Strand; Matthew Spencer, Director of Government Relations, Madison Gas and Electric; Luke Fuller, Government Relations Manager, Dairyland Power Cooperative; Jessica Niekrasz, Vice President of Operations, BIOFerm.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 20th Publish Date: December 20th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Friday, December 20th and Happy Birthday to Dick Wolfe ***12.20.24 - BIRTHDAY – DICK WOLF*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. State to lift ban on new irrigation wells Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship Georgia Power hiking rates next month All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: State to lift ban on new irrigation wells Georgia is lifting a decade-long moratorium on new irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia, effective April 1. Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will accept applications for groundwater withdrawal permits, requiring drought-related measures to protect water supplies in the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee river basins. The moratorium, imposed in 2012 due to drought, was partially eased last year. Extensive research and improved water tracking technology have now enabled the EPD to confidently lift the ban. This decision follows a legal victory over water allocation disputes with Florida and Alabama. STORY 2: Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship Jackson Electric Membership Cooperative is accepting applications for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, offering $1,000 for students attending Georgia colleges or technical schools. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or accepted at accredited institutions and reside in a household served by Jackson EMC. Evaluation criteria include financial need, GPA, SAT scores, academic standing, honors, and community involvement. Applications, due by January 31, 2025, can be obtained from school counselors or online. Annually, 15 scholarships are awarded by Georgia's electric cooperatives, honoring Walter Harrison's legacy in the cooperative movement. Since 1985, over $281,500 has been awarded to 292 students. STORY 3: Georgia Power hiking rates next month Georgia's Public Service Commission approved a 3.5% rate increase for Georgia Power customers, raising average residential bills by $5.48 per month. This is part of a series of hikes over recent years, totaling over $40 in increases, partly due to new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle and rising fuel costs. Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald expressed concern about the timing, given recent decreases in food and gas prices, but ultimately supported the increase. Georgia Power's lawyer, Brandon Marzo, stated the hike is necessary due to ongoing investments. The new rates will start on January 1. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL STORY 4: GCPS art educators earn state honors Two educators from Gwinnett County Public Schools have been honored by the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA) for their contributions to art education. Amber Arnold, a Fine Arts Instructional Coach, received the 2025 Supervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year Award, while Kelly Rollocks, an art instructor at Berkmar Middle School, was named the 2025 Outstanding Georgia Middle Art Educator of the Year. These awards recognize their exceptional service and commitment to visual arts education. The GAEA annually honors members nominated by peers and selected through a rigorous process, supporting art educators across Georgia. STORY 5: Hebron Christian Wins 1st State Football Championship Hebron Christian Academy's football team, under Coach Jonathan Gess, won their first state championship by defeating Prince Avenue Christian 56-28 in the Class AAA-A Private final. This victory marks a significant achievement in Gess's third year, following a previous loss to Prince Avenue. The Lions dominated with a strong ground game, led by quarterback Thomas Stallworth and running back Devon Caldwell. Hebron's defense also excelled, limiting Prince Avenue's offense. Gess, previously successful at Eagle’s Landing Christian, has rapidly transformed Hebron into a competitive program, promising more future successes. Break 3: STORY 6: AROUND TOWN: Gwinnettians Honored For Dedication To Preserving County's History This edition highlights several notable achievements in Gwinnett County. Five individuals and organizations were inducted into the Preservation Hall of Fame for their efforts in preserving the county's history. Commissioner Jasper Watkins III received the 2024 ASHP/ABHP Joint Leadership Award for his commitment to public health and health equity. State Sen. Nikki Merritt was elected chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, focusing on advocacy for minority communities. Additionally, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton celebrated the birth of its 10,000th baby, marking a significant milestone in its maternal care services. STORY 7: Trump names Herschel Walker to ambassador post President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Herschel Walker, a former University of Georgia football star and longtime friend, as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, who lost a 2022 Senate race to Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has been a prominent advocate for youth sports and previously served as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Trump's nominations also include other Georgians like former Sen. David Perdue for ambassador to China and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler for the Small Business Administration. These nominations require Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to control the Senate next month. Break 4: Ingles Markets 5 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for December 20th Publish Date: December 20th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Friday, December 20th and Happy Birthday to Dick Wolfe ***12.20.24 - BIRTHDAY – DICK WOLF*** I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. State to lift ban on new irrigation wells Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship Georgia Power hiking rates next month All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: State to lift ban on new irrigation wells Georgia is lifting a decade-long moratorium on new irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia, effective April 1. Governor Brian Kemp announced that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will accept applications for groundwater withdrawal permits, requiring drought-related measures to protect water supplies in the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee river basins. The moratorium, imposed in 2012 due to drought, was partially eased last year. Extensive research and improved water tracking technology have now enabled the EPD to confidently lift the ban. This decision follows a legal victory over water allocation disputes with Florida and Alabama. STORY 2: Jackson EMC Accepting Applications for $1,000 Walter Harrison Scholarship Jackson Electric Membership Cooperative is accepting applications for the Walter Harrison Scholarship, offering $1,000 for students attending Georgia colleges or technical schools. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or accepted at accredited institutions and reside in a household served by Jackson EMC. Evaluation criteria include financial need, GPA, SAT scores, academic standing, honors, and community involvement. Applications, due by January 31, 2025, can be obtained from school counselors or online. Annually, 15 scholarships are awarded by Georgia's electric cooperatives, honoring Walter Harrison's legacy in the cooperative movement. Since 1985, over $281,500 has been awarded to 292 students. STORY 3: Georgia Power hiking rates next month Georgia's Public Service Commission approved a 3.5% rate increase for Georgia Power customers, raising average residential bills by $5.48 per month. This is part of a series of hikes over recent years, totaling over $40 in increases, partly due to new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle and rising fuel costs. Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald expressed concern about the timing, given recent decreases in food and gas prices, but ultimately supported the increase. Georgia Power's lawyer, Brandon Marzo, stated the hike is necessary due to ongoing investments. The new rates will start on January 1. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINAL STORY 4: GCPS art educators earn state honors Two educators from Gwinnett County Public Schools have been honored by the Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA) for their contributions to art education. Amber Arnold, a Fine Arts Instructional Coach, received the 2025 Supervision/Administration Art Educator of the Year Award, while Kelly Rollocks, an art instructor at Berkmar Middle School, was named the 2025 Outstanding Georgia Middle Art Educator of the Year. These awards recognize their exceptional service and commitment to visual arts education. The GAEA annually honors members nominated by peers and selected through a rigorous process, supporting art educators across Georgia. STORY 5: Hebron Christian Wins 1st State Football Championship Hebron Christian Academy's football team, under Coach Jonathan Gess, won their first state championship by defeating Prince Avenue Christian 56-28 in the Class AAA-A Private final. This victory marks a significant achievement in Gess's third year, following a previous loss to Prince Avenue. The Lions dominated with a strong ground game, led by quarterback Thomas Stallworth and running back Devon Caldwell. Hebron's defense also excelled, limiting Prince Avenue's offense. Gess, previously successful at Eagle’s Landing Christian, has rapidly transformed Hebron into a competitive program, promising more future successes. Break 3: STORY 6: AROUND TOWN: Gwinnettians Honored For Dedication To Preserving County's History This edition highlights several notable achievements in Gwinnett County. Five individuals and organizations were inducted into the Preservation Hall of Fame for their efforts in preserving the county's history. Commissioner Jasper Watkins III received the 2024 ASHP/ABHP Joint Leadership Award for his commitment to public health and health equity. State Sen. Nikki Merritt was elected chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, focusing on advocacy for minority communities. Additionally, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton celebrated the birth of its 10,000th baby, marking a significant milestone in its maternal care services. STORY 7: Trump names Herschel Walker to ambassador post President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Herschel Walker, a former University of Georgia football star and longtime friend, as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. Walker, who lost a 2022 Senate race to Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has been a prominent advocate for youth sports and previously served as co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Trump's nominations also include other Georgians like former Sen. David Perdue for ambassador to China and former Sen. Kelly Loeffler for the Small Business Administration. These nominations require Senate confirmation, with Republicans set to control the Senate next month. Break 4: Ingles Markets 5 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.wagesfuneralhome.com www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An advisory jury last week found that districts to elect utility regulators were not drawn in a way that favored one political party over another. This is the latest in an ongoing legal fight over the maps

Te Pāti Māori says the Electoral Commission should not have apologised for using Manurewa marae as a voting place. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer about the Public Service Commission's subsequent inquiry.

The Public Service Commissioner says civil servants aren't banned from working from home, but more oversight is needed. Sir Brian Roche has released new official guidance confirming working remotely is not an entitlement. That's prompted legal action from the Public Service Association. The Commissioner told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's important to have clear rules to stop public servants working from home by default. He says flexibility is still a hallmark, but it is now by the approval of the employer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week before Thanksgiving, amid what still looks like a boom for window and door makers, local manufacturer PGT Innovations laid off 225 workers in Tampa, and then another 150 in Venice. The layoffs came after PGT was taken over by Miter Brands, a Pennsylvania-based company. Johannes Werner talked to one Venice worker who says he and his wife lost their jobs the same day.The newly constituted Sarasota City Commission went through a test on Monday. That test came about when Commissioner Jen Ahearn-Koch made a motion to take back a vote the outgoing commission made a month earlier. At issue was a downtown street the city handed over to a developer, before even seeing the developer's site plan. Ahearn-Koch wanted more discussion on how the developer's yet-to-be-known project would benefit the public.On Tuesday, a state panel unanimously approved a $1.2 billion dollar storm recovery package for Florida Power & Light. This allows FP&L, come January, to hike the average monthly electricity bill by 12 dollars. This is pretty much routine, and it will keep the corporation in the black and its investors happy. But one public advocate spoke against approval at the Public Service Commission meeting in Tallahassee. Johannes Werner spoke to Jordan Luebkemann, an attorney representing Florida Rising and Earthjustice.As the national affairs correspondent for the Nation magazine, John Nichols views national politics through a progressive lens. He will put the election in perspective during a presentation and discussion at the Fogartyville Community Center this Saturday, 7 pm. WSLR's Peace and Justice Report host Tom Walker interviewed Nichols this morning.

The Electoral Commission admits a polling booth shouldn't have operated at a Marae run by a candidate. The Public Service Commission is investigating claims Manurewa Marae misused Census data for Te Pati Māori's election campaign. Its winning candidate for the Tamaki Makaurau electorate - Takutai Tarsh Kemp - was Marae chief executive at the time. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov. 27, 2024 - A state program intended to provide consistently lower energy bills for New Yorkers and small businesses hasn't always delivered on its promise. We discuss the implementation of the Community Choice Aggregation program and whether it can be improved with John Howard, former chair of the state Public Service Commission.

  Clement Manyathela speaks to Professor Somadoda Fikeni, the chairperson of the Public Service Commission about how international experience can offer valuable insights for South Africa's public sector reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the intricate world of towing with us as we welcome Jared Varnado, the third-generation owner of Varnado Sons Towing and president of Louisiana's Towing and Recovery Association. Jared shares invaluable insights into the regulatory maze that the Louisiana towing industry navigates, tackling complex issues like non-consensual towing pricing and the controversial towing practices during LSU football games. Hear firsthand about the challenges of balancing profitability with regulatory demands and public scrutiny, and learn what it takes to advocate for fair towing practices in today's ever-shifting landscape.Safety within the towing industry takes center stage as we recount a troubling incident at an impound lot in Henderson, Nevada. This episode underscores the critical importance of safety protocols in potentially volatile situations, reminding all industry professionals that caution and preparedness can be lifesavers. Wes Wilburn also highlights upcoming training opportunities in diverse locations like Elkhart, Indiana, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, with Oklahoma and North Carolina on the horizon, reinforcing our commitment to safety, education, and professional networking.Finally, we shift our focus back to Louisiana's towing scene, exploring the efforts to modernize operations and the financial strains many towing businesses face. From advocating for credit card payment acceptance to addressing oversized vehicle storage compensation, the challenges are vast but not insurmountable. Join us as we preview the strategic meeting of Louisiana's Public Service Commission in Baton Rouge, where voices from the towing community will aim to influence future regulations. The episode promises an engaging discussion on the power of collective action and the significance of industry advocacy.

In the coming days, Montanans will elect a new majority to the Public Service Commission. Those three new commissioners will regulate utility companies that provide homes with electricity, gas, and trash services.

Lauren Waldrip previously acted as partner at Campbell Ward, a Little Rock based public affairs and public relations firm. A native of Moro, Lauren oversaw communications, promotional efforts, media relations, trade association management, event planning, marketing strategies, government relations, grassroots engagement and activities for state and federal PACs.While at Campbell Ward, Lauren served as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Rice Federation and testified on behalf of farmers before the Public Service Commission regarding net metering.She has worked as Project Coordinator for the Razorback Foundation, where she created and implemented a program that increased membership by 20%. Lauren assisted with the re-branding of the Razorback Foundation and aided in planning events for current and prospective donors. She has provided public relations assistance for U.S. Senator John Boozman and for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.Lauren serves on the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission and the Arkansas Foodbank board. She has been named to Arkansas Business' 20 in their 20's and Arkansas Money and Politics' Future 50 lists and is a Leadership Arkansas graduate.Our services for both our clients and candidates can be found below✔️For Employers: https://www.nenniandassoc.com/for-employers/✔️For Candidates: https://www.nenniandassoc.com/career-opportunities/✔️Consulting: https://www.nenniandassoc.com/consulting-services/✔️Executive Search: https://www.nenniandassoc.com/executive-search/Nenni and Associates on Social Media:► Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nenni-and-associates/► Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nenniandassoc/► Email Listing: https://www.nenniandassoc.com/join-email-list/► Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NenniAssociates

Nziki and Bruce talk with Nick Laborde, candidate for Public Service Commission District 2, which stretches from Baton Rouge to Lafayette. They jump in about phone rates in prisons and jails, then talk about Louisiana's sustainable energy needs where climate change and hurricanes make it the soft underbelly of America. In a world where political parties are building walls between them, the electric bill may be the last place we can come together.Recorded October 24, 2024 in New Orleans. 

You've probably heard the political ads for people running for PSC in which they tout their conservative bona fides and then attack their opponents as tree-hugging hippies. Those ads don't really help us understand what goes on at the PSC, but they certainly get stuck in your head...""Always totin' Jeremy Oden"" comes to mind. Unfortunately, Alabamians often know very little about positions in our state government that impact them the most directly. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is certainly at the top of the list of those extremely important elected positions Alabamians need to know and understand. This week Bryan is joined by PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh to hear her story and how she got into politics. Twinkle also gives us a rundown of what exactly it is that the Public Service Commission does. Naturally, the first question is always whether Twinkle is her real name. You'll be surprised by the answer and enjoy hearing how she got it. You'll also hear about all the other ways she has served in state politics and the roots of her passion. More to the point of this podcast, Bryan asks the tough questions surrounding the PSC's responsibility in regulating Alabama Power rates and what their role is in the coal ash cleanup. - Are our rates in Alabama really among the highest in the nation? - Why are our power bills so much higher than other states? - When was the last rate audit on Alabama Power? This informative podcast will give you a window into the role and powers of a very important office in our state government that affects your wallet daily.

You've probably heard the political ads for people running for PSC in which they tout their conservative bona fides and then attack their opponents as tree-hugging hippies. Those ads don't really help us understand what goes on at the PSC, but they certainly get stuck in your head...""Always totin' Jeremy Oden"" comes to mind. Unfortunately, Alabamians often know very little about positions in our state government that impact them the most directly. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is certainly at the top of the list of those extremely important elected positions Alabamians need to know and understand. This week Bryan is joined by PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh to hear her story and how she got into politics. Twinkle also gives us a rundown of what exactly it is that the Public Service Commission does. Naturally, the first question is always whether Twinkle is her real name. You'll be surprised by the answer and enjoy hearing how she got it. You'll also hear about all the other ways she has served in state politics and the roots of her passion. More to the point of this podcast, Bryan asks the tough questions surrounding the PSC's responsibility in regulating Alabama Power rates and what their role is in the coal ash cleanup. - Are our rates in Alabama really among the highest in the nation? - Why are our power bills so much higher than other states? - When was the last rate audit on Alabama Power? This informative podcast will give you a window into the role and powers of a very important office in our state government that affects your wallet daily.

With electricity rates expected to go up significantly, Sunil Dasgupta talks with Frederick Hoover, Chair of Maryland's Public Service Commission, about the consequences of power deregulation and need for the state to step back into the investment planning process now in the hands of an independent entity tasked with managing the 13-state regional grid from New Jersey to Illinois. Music from Finster.

Earlier this year we celebrated some of our top episodes of the Electric Wire podcast in person by inviting previous podcast guests to Madison to speak at our annual Power Breakfast. Thanks to WisconsinEye, we are able to bring Power Breakfast audio and video to our listeners. Please visit wiseye.org to check out more live and archived footage from WisconsinEye and consider making a donation to this free service! This podcast episode follows the Power Breakfast agenda for speaker order: - Opening Remarks by Commissioner Marcus Hawkins, Public Service Commission of Wisconsin - Laurel Peltier, Journalist and Energy Advocate - Brent Ridge, President and CEO, Dairyland Power Cooperative - Wisconsin's Energy Providers Panel - Rep. Lisa Subek, Ranking Member, Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee Thanks for listening!

Representing Davis, Weber & Box Elder Counties boardoftrustees@rideuta.com Trustee Holbrook brings a wealth of experience to UTA. She began her career in the financial sector, established a real estate firm, and went back into the financial sector working in business development. Trustee Holbrook would go on to work with the Public Sector for a private company. Trustee Holbrook was first elected to the Bountiful City Council in 2007 and has served on several boards including the Bountiful Power Commission, Planning Commission and the Utility Facility Review Board with the Public Service Commission. She is a former President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Since being appointed to the UTA Board of Trustees, Trustee Holbrook has worked to increase community engagement throughout Davis, Weber, and Box Elder Counties. Service on other local boards and committees include the Commission on Affordable Housing, the Utah Association of Special Districts (UASD), EDCUtah, Envision Utah, Chair of the Olene Walker Housing Fund, and Chair of the Utah Urban Land Institute (ULI). She also works with APTA - the American Public Transit Association, as a Transit Board Member in addition to Chair of the Transit Board Member's Legislative Sub-Committee.

The mission of the Maryland Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, reliable, and economic public utility and transportation service to the citizens of Maryland. Today's guests are Chair Frederick Hoover and Commissioner Kumar Barve. Frederick H. Hoover was appointed Chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission by Governor Wes Moore for a five-year term beginning on July 1, 2023. He most recently served as Assistant People's Counsel in the Maryland Office of People's Counsel, representing residential consumers of public utilities, retail energy suppliers and other entities before the Maryland Public Service Commission, courts and federal agencies. Chair Hoover served for more than seven years as director of the Maryland Energy Administration, responsible for coordinating energy policy for the state of Maryland. He subsequently held positions as director of both MEA's Division of Energy Programs and Division of Renewable Energy. He is a former senior director of the National Association of State Energy Officials, where he directed the electricity policy program including the fuel and grid aspects of both transmission and distribution networks including modernization, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Kumar P. Barve was appointed to the Maryland Public Service Commission in May 2023 by Governor Wes Moore, to fill out a term ending in June 2024. He was later appointed to a new five-year term to begin July 1, 2024. Prior to his appointment, he had served in the Maryland House of Delegates since 1991, holding leadership roles including Chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee, Majority Leader, and Chair of the Montgomery County House delegation. While in the General Assembly he worked on issues including environmental regulation, energy generation and conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction. Notably, he was the first Indian-American in the country to be elected to a state legislature. Show Notes: [2:31] - The mandate of the Public Service Commission is to maintain reliable, safe, affordable, essential utility services to all customers and oversee the impact. [4:43] - Chair Hoover and Commissioner Barve describe how the Maryland Brighter Tomorrow Act aligns with the state's overall energy goals. [9:27] - The energy generation mix is a large complicated process. [12:40] - There's a greater use of digital products to control energy usage in the home. Homes have become more efficient. [13:55] - Eventually there will be a situation where houses, buildings, and cars will be building, storing, and using energy simultaneously. [14:40] - The United States is currently re-industrializing. [17:58] - It is part of their responsibility to ensure that the investments that are made by the utility company are made across their distribution system. [19:27] - Commissioner Barve describes the efforts made and the state's legislature to aid low and moderate income individuals in Maryland. [20:30] - Utility companies do not make money off of selling electricity. [22:38] - Chair Hoover shares the feedback they receive when engaging with utility companies as it pertains to renewable energy. [24:24] - This is an open and transparent process. [26:40] - How have prices evolved over the last decade and where are they trending? [29:55] - Both Chair and Commissioner share what excites them about the work they do. [32:14] - Both share advice to those who are entering the industry. Links and Resources: Maryland Public Service Commission Website

It's been revealed nearly 70 Te Whatu Ora staff have signed non-disclosure agreements since the end of November and 38 within the Ministry for the Environment. It's prompted a complaint to the Public Service Commission from Labour. Its health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said the NDAs stifle internal debate and legitimate scrutiny. Health NZ chief executive Margie Apa said agreements were for staff involved in addressing recent financial pressures and dealing with Budget-sensitive information. Employment law expert Barbara Buckett spoke to Lisa Owen.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of August 31st    Publish Date: August 31st    From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast    Today is Saturday, August 31st and Happy 79th Birthday to Van Morrison ***08.31.24 – BIRTHDAY – VAN MORRISON*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Waleska Taking Applications for City Clerk and Manager Position Canton Resident Wins $1 Million in Powerball Drawing Woodstock Rotary Donates $1,500 to Oak Grove Elementary   We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!    Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1:  Waleska Taking Applications for City Clerk and Manager Position The city of Waleska is hiring a new city clerk/manager as Robyn Smith steps down for health reasons but will continue in an office clerk role. The city is currently interviewing candidates and accepting applications for the position. The city clerk/manager oversees record-keeping, budget preparation, election coordination, and serves as a liaison between the public, mayor, and city council. Salary details will be discussed during interviews. For more information or to apply, visit cityofwaleska.com or email rsmith@cityofwaleska.com. STORY 2:  Canton Resident Wins $1 Million in Powerball Drawing A Canton resident won $1 million in the Aug. 28 Powerball drawing with a ticket bought on the Georgia Lottery mobile app, while a Fort Stewart resident won $100,000 with another ticket from the app. The winning numbers were 5-33-47-50-64 with the Powerball 20 and a Power Play of 2X. The $1 million ticket matched the first five numbers but not the Powerball, while the $100,000 ticket matched four numbers plus the Powerball, with the prize doubled due to the 2X Power Play. Winners have 180 days to claim their prizes, and proceeds support education in Georgia. For details, visit www.galottery.com. STORY 3:  Woodstock Rotary Donates $1,500 to Oak Grove Elementary The Rotary Club of Woodstock recently donated $1,500 to Oak Grove Elementary STEAM Academy in Cherokee County to help purchase school supplies for the upcoming year. The Rotary Club was named Oak Grove Elementary's Partner of the Year for 2024 in recognition of their support. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Back in a moment  Break: DRAKE   STORY 4:  Cherokee County Student's Research Published in Science Journal Cherokee County School District student Manasa Shankar, a junior at Woodstock High School, has been published in the *Journal of Student Research* with her paper on chronic stress and cancer development. Supported by advisors from Wayne State University, Gifted Gabber, and the University of Southeastern Philippines, Shankar's research is accessible online. She is also recognized for her project on combating antibiotic resistance, which earned her a prize at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair. STORY 5:   Thompsen Wins Cherokee Player of the Week River Ridge receiver Thomas Thompsen has been named the Week 2 Cherokee County Football Player of the Week. In a 39-0 victory over Denmark, Thompsen caught seven passes for 76 yards, scored two touchdowns, and added a five-yard touchdown rush. He received 234 votes, outpacing other nominees Ean Marria, Tanner Savasir, and Austin Guest. Thompsen's standout performance contributed significantly to River Ridge's win, improving their season record to 1-1. Commercial: INGLES 4 STORY 6:  Cherokee Dems Donate Over $1,700 to Clear Student Lunch Debt On August 28, the Cherokee County Democrats donated $1,731 to the Cherokee County School District to address outstanding meal balances for students. This donation, raised through their "Erase School Lunch Debt" campaign, is aimed at eliminating lunch debt for underserved students. The funds, which cover the cost of 706 meals, were presented to the district's School Nutrition department. STORY 7:  Georgia Power Teeing Up Four Battery Storage Projects Georgia Power will build battery energy storage systems (BESS) at four sites across the state, adding 500 megawatts of capacity to meet growing industrial power demands. These facilities will be located near Robins Air Force Base, Moody Air Force Base, the retired Plant Hammond, and will expand the McGrau Ford Battery Facility. This initiative is part of a broader plan approved last April, which includes renewable energy and fossil fuels, aimed at ensuring a diverse and reliable power supply. The state Public Service Commission must still certify the projects, with hearings scheduled for October 31 and November 1, and a final vote on December 3. We'll have closing comments after this.    COMMERCIAL: Heller 1 (GENERIC)   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com drakerealty.com cuofga.org jeffhellerlaw.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 John is joined by the Attorney-General of the Republic of Singapore, Lucien Wong, SC.  Attorney-General Wong explains that under Singapore's constitution, his office is an independent organ of the state which does not answer to either the cabinet or the legislature.  His office includes four divisions:  the criminal division which conducts all prosecutions in Singapore, the civil division which advises government ministries and agencies as well as representing the government in civil court cases and arbitrations, the legislative drafting division which drafts all legislation in Singapore, and the international affairs division which protects Singapore's interests on the international legal stage.  Attorney-General Wong also explains that he is the Chairman of the Legal Service Commission which employs all lawyers working in his office and is independent from the Public Service Commission, which employs all other civil servants in Singapore.  They discuss the case where, less than a month after he became Attorney-General, Malaysia brought an action against Singapore in the International Court of Justice to reclaim an island off the coast of Singapore, requiring Attorney-General Wong to become an international lawyer overnight.  Finally, they discuss Singapore's use of caning as a criminal punishment, including how the practice originated in India's penal code which Singapore inherited upon achieving independence, its value as a deterrent, and that Singapore's reputation as a clean, efficient, civil society might be attributable in part to the deterrent effects of its criminal punishments.Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fmHost: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis HydeMusic and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

August 9, 2024 - The state Public Service Commission issued an order this summer to expedite the utility pole attachment process in New York. We discuss the order with Matthew Tuchman, a  counsel with the law firm of Davis, Wright, Tremaine.