Terreni Law Firm Files Comments in PSC Review of Transportation Regs

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

The Terreni Law Firm has recommended several changes to the Public Service Commission in a review of regulations governing the moving industry. Our recommendations aim to streamline the application process and protect consumers. Recommendations include:

• Allow movers to give binding estimates
• Eliminate expensive published notices of application
• No more “shipper witnesses”

There will be a discussion of these and other recommendations on June 18, at 9:00 a.m. Watch it online at SCETV. See our comments and the full record at these links.

How to Lower Your Power Bill This Summer

A power company sent me these tips on how to save money on electricity this summer.

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.

Check your air filters and change if they are dirty. Leave interior doors open and don’t close vents to allow adequate airflow through your HVAC system. Do not block returns.

Have your HVAC system checked by a professional. This can extend the life of your system while ensuring everything is working properly.

My thoughts turned to President Carter, who asked Americans to lower their thermostats to 65 degrees during winter days. I’m sure he would approve of setting the thermostat at 78 during the summer. So does the EPA.

But how do you feel about it? Will you keep the temperature at 78 degrees to save money this summer?

Jay Robert Jashinsky December 14, 1954 – May 14, 2021

Sad news. Former ORS Director of Auditing, Jay Jashinsky, passed away. Jay was a tireless advocate for the public interest who managed ORS’s auditors from the agency’s inception in 2004 through his retirement in 2019. A CPA and former naval officer, Jay was smart, tough, and honorable. He will be missed. See Jay’s obituary here.

Investor calls for Duke breakup

The Wall Street Journal reports Elliott Management Corp. asked Duke Energy’s Board of Directors to consider splitting the company in three. Ellott proposes separate companies for the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. One of Duke’s ten largest shareholders, Ellott has made several proposals which have been rebuffed by the company. Duke is not Elliott’s only target, the firm, headed by Paul Singer, has a history of shareholder activism with companies such as Samsung, Sky broadcasting, and Akzo Nobel. Elliott also owns the AC Milan soccer team.

Congratulations, Zip2Zip Movers!

Zip2Zip Movers of Greenville is South Carolina’s newest household goods mover. Congratulations on a successful application, and best of luck with this new venture!

Thomas F. Farrell II, CEO of Virginia-based Dominion Energy, dies at 66 – The Washington Post

He led Virginia’s largest utility company from 2007 to 2020 and was a powerful force in business and politics.
— Read on www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/thomas-farrell-dead/2021/04/03/27851296-9492-11eb-bb49-5cb2a95f4cec_story.html

SELC Petitions FERC to Stop Alabama Solar Charges

According to a press release, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Ragsdale LLC, have petitioned FERC to challenge solar rates recently adopted by the Alabama PSC. The petitioners argue the Alabama PSC has violated Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) by imposing “punitive” charges on solar customers.

SC Utilities ask FERC to approve new power market

E & E News reports Dominion Energy South Carolina; Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress are among the utilities asking FERC to approve the Southeast Energy Exchange Market. Santee Cooper is said to be considering membership.

Congratulations, Budget Movers of Augusta!

Budget Movers of Augusta

Budget Movers of Augusta’s application was approved by the Public Service Commission and its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to operate in South Carolina was issued on February 1, 2021.

Let’s give these words a rest

These words are tired; let’s give them a break in 2021!

• “in a global pandemic” (at the end of every sentence)
• literally
• a “toolbox” should only contains wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and such; no policies, strategies, or therapies.
• weaponize
• “protein” when referring to meat or fish on the menu
• onboarding
• “shelter in place”
• host (referring to a large number or multitude)
• “writ large”
• a “cache” or “trove” of documents
• “reach out”
• paradigm shift (likely not)
• secret sauce
• robust

Share your suggestions for the list!