View
307
Download
2
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
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 40602http://psc.ky.gov
Ph: (502) 564-3940 ext 415Fax: (502) 564-1582
JimmyR.Adcock@ky.gov
Recommended