Gainesville Public Works Director Chris Rotalsky last week was sworn in to the Georgia Public Service Commission Advisory Committee after being appointed in May.
Governor Brian Kemp’s appointment came amid 59 other designations made to various state boards. The state public service commission tracks back to 1879 when it was known as the Railroad Commission of Georgia. However, as the population and economy both grew, the commission began taking on other responsibilities.
The name change to the Georgia Public Service Commission came in 1922.
Rotalsky currently leads eight divisions in the Gainesville public works system. Previously he served as the assistant director for the public works system in Gainesville. In the private sector, he has experience with project management in the construction industry and is an active member of the Georgia Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Rotalsky has a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia.
Rotalsky was appointed alongside Matthew Bergen, who is currently serving as the Fayette County Environmental Project Manager, and Lisa McKnight, who is Lawrenceville’s Damage Prevention Director.
“It's exciting for me to be learning more about not just the utilities I'm familiar with, but also the entire process for the state as how utilities are managed throughout the state,” Rotalsky said. “And it's something that I certainly am excited to be a part of, to learn about the different facets of this, and participate in and contribute where I can bring my expertise to the table to help with this utility process.”
Rotalsky was sworn in by Governor Kemp on June 28.
The PSC consists of five elected commissioners, who are supported by approximately 85 staff committee members from around the state. Each commissioner serves staggered six-year terms. The chairman is elected by the commission for a two-year term, with the opportunity for one two-year reelection term.
The PSC is said to have a major impact on citizens’ lives, assessing how much people pay for electricity, telephone and natural gas services, according to committee officials.
The commission holds the power to decide service rates for residents under their jurisdiction. They reportedly strive to balance the demand for reasonable rates with the need for utility companies to earn a decent return on their investment.
The commission is assisted by various experts on utility operations who make recommendations to protect the public interest and fulfill other responsibilities, including investigations, inspections, cost determinations, rule enforcement and judicial order enforcement.
Administrative sessions with the PSC are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month in Room 110 at 244 Washington Street in Atlanta.
