Consistent with O.C.G.A. § 46-4-161, the Commission is authorized to create and establish regulations to administer a universal service fund for each gas company that elects to become subject to the provisions of Article 5 of Chapter 4 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, and which satisfies the requirements of O.C.G.A. § 46-4-154. With respect to each such gas company, which is also termed an "electing distribution company" under the Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act, the Commission is charged with making a determination prior to the commencement of the electing distribution company's fiscal year as to the amount of funding that is appropriate for that year.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 515-7-5-.02
O.C.G.A. Secs. 46-4-152, 46-4-161.