A final order was filed Tuesday to ensure TSA agents who are living in Georgia will not have their utility service cut off for nonpayment and will not pay late fees for missed utility bills until the partial government shutdown ends.

Commissioner Tricia Pridemore made the motion regarding Georgia TSA’s utility service at the Public Service Commission’s administrative session on April 7. Her motion was approved unanimously.

According to the order (attached) TSA agents must verify their employment with the TSA. Their past-due balances must be paid within 30 days after the shutdown ends and TSA agents’ back pay is restored. Although many agents received a paycheck Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has cautioned TSA agents that future pay remains in limbo as the partial government shutdown continues.

“Georgia is home to the world’s busiest airport and many regional airports where TSA agents work to keep us safe,” Pridemore said. “During the partial shutdown, many TSA agents are taking up second jobs driving Ubers and utilizing other gig-economy jobs just to make rent or mortgages and to put food on the table. I’m hoping this order will give them one less thing to worry about.”

Commission Chairman Jason Shaw said he appreciates Commissioner Pridemore’s forethought on this matter.

“Efforts such as this moratorium on shutoffs for TSA agents are a perfect example of the leadership Commissioner Pridemore regularly provides for Georgia,” Shaw said. “At the PSC, we appreciate the work of all Georgians, especially those who work to keep us safe. When a segment of our population is in crisis, the PSC, and all state agencies, should look for practical ways to help.”

Commissioner Peter Hubbard echoed Chairman Shaw’s words.

“TSA officers at Hartsfield-Jackson are showing up every day to keep Georgia safe, even as they go without a paycheck,” Hubbard said. “They shouldn't have to worry about coming home to a dark house. I want to thank Commissioner Pridemore for bringing this forward — when working families are hurting, this Commission can and should act together, regardless of party. That's exactly what Georgians expect from us.”

The order pertains only to utilities under the Georgia Public Service Commission’s jurisdiction. The PSC regulates investor-owned utilities in Georgia including Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light. Although Georgia has several natural gas marketers, Atlanta Gas Light maintains the pipeline infrastructure and is responsible for connecting and disconnecting service.

For more information on the Commission, see the PSC website at https://psc.ga.gov