public service commission investigator water & sewer branch division of engineering public...
TRANSCRIPT
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Investigator
Water & Sewer BranchDivision of Engineering
Public Service Commission
PSC INSPECTIONS
Jimmy Adcock
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Topics
• Regulations– Which regulations affect you!– Why are there regulations?
• PSC Inspection Program– Purpose of inspecting a utility– Five elements of the inspection program
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Inspection Program
• To ensure utilities provide customers with safe, adequate, and reliable service at fair, just, and reasonable rates
• To ensure utilities are in compliance with the PSC Statutes and Regulations
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Regulations Affecting You
• Commissions Statutes & Regulations KRS 74, 278
807 KAR 5:066: Water
807 KAR 5:006: General Rules
807 KAR 5:011: Tariffs
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Why Regulations?
• Inspections are reminders of what regulations require
• Aid the utility in its operation
• So utilities may provide safe, adequate, and reliable service at fair, just, and reasonable rates
• Serve as guidelines for each utility
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
or This?This?
Why Regulations?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Elements of Inspection Program
Report
Pre-Inspection
Follow-Up
Inspection
Enforcement
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Pre-Inspection
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Pre-Inspection
• The Central Files contain:– Last inspection report– Utility’s reply– Last construction project information– Meter testing reports– Accident and boil water advisories
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Pre-Inspection
• The Annual Report contains:– Latest gross annual utility revenue– Annual water loss– Average daily consumption– Capacity of water plant– Distribution system statistics
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
The Inspector Cometh
• Inspection Checklist (13 pages)
• Digital Photographs
• Is your Utility ready for Review
• Is your Utility in Compliance
The Inspector is the eyes and ears of the Public Service Commission
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection• Be Prepared
– Fill out inspection worksheet BEFORE inspector arrives
• Get them in and out– Have records and files ready for inspector
to review
• Highlight your accomplishments– Completed or new projects, no DOW
violations
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• If the utility discovers a problem or needs assistance, ask inspector for help– Write down any questions you want to ask
• Inspectors look at many areas of the utility, sometimes areas the utility may want to avoid– Leaks at pump stations, rust on tanks
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• Office Review (Office Manager)– Posted tariffs, rules, regulations, & statutes– Office personnel security and safety– Office records (new special charges, fees)– Number of customers– Billing cards & Deposit data– Customer complaints & customer service
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Upcoming construction projects– Rate Issues (proposed increases)– Water purchase contracts– Water loss figures from previous year– New water sales to other utilities
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Meter testing program– System map– Safety program– Inspection program– Maintenance program and records– Water quality
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
WD
• Employees should carry current ID’s• Vehicles should be properly marked• Never enter a resident’s home• Employees should be properly trained
– Flagging– Dress (Hard hats, orange vests, boots, etc)– Signs and Cones
• Trenching accidents– 400 deaths, 6,400 serious injuries per year in U.S.
Safety Program
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• Office Review (Utility Manager)– Valve program– Accounted-for water loss– Flushing program– Fire protection– Water pressure and hydraulics– Water shortage response plan
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Be Proactive, not Inactive or Reactive
• Preventative Maintenance Program• Develop a Systems Management Plan
– Each employee should read and sign
• Leak Detection Program• Training, Training, Training
– It’s vital for employees to be properly trained
• Keep critical replacement parts available
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Be Proactive, not Inactive or Reactive
• Promptly notify DOW, PSC & customers of any BWA’s, NOV’s, etc.
• Promptly notify PSC of substantial property damage or major accidents
• Keep response time to a minimum• Document, Document, Document
– Proper record keeping is crucial– Document “everything”– Back-up your data and files
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
Record Keeping
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Periodic Inspection
• Field Review (Certified Operator)– Utility plant– Distribution system– Inspection and maintenance records– Photographs of water plant, storage tanks,
pump stations, deficient facilities– Customer surveys
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Inspection Report
• Inspection checklist used to draft report
• Copy sent to utility & Division of Water
• Utility has 30 days to respond
• Sites new deficiencies and highlights any repeat deficiencies
• Written report summarizes investigation, includes photographs
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Follow-Up Inspection
• Typically performed at next yearly inspection
• Some situations warrant sooner follow-up inspections
• PSC can help with informal follow-up meetings
• Regulatory compliance is principal goal
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Enforcement
• Deficiencies go uncured, follow-up attempts are unsuccessful
• Show-cause hearing may be pursued
• Order may be issued by PSC
• Franklin Circuit Court may get involved
• Goal is to AVOID this phase
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Summary
• Regulations– KRS 278, 74– 807 KAR 5:006, 011, & 066– Serve as guidelines for each utility– Safe, adequate, reliable service– Fair, just, and reasonable rates
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Summary
• PSC Inspection Program– Reminder of what the regulations require– Pre-Inspection– Inspection– Report– Follow-up– Enforcement
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Questions?
Public Service Commissionhttp://psc.ky.gov
Public Service Commission
Investigator, Water & Sewer BranchDivision of Engineering
Jimmy Adcock
211 Sower Blvd.
Frankfort, KY 40602
http://psc.ky.gov
Ph: (502) 564-3940 ext 415
Fax: (502) 564-1582