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Volume 1, Issue 9 |
Friday, May 16, 2003 |
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Office of the Attorney General
PL-01, The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Citizen Services
(850) 414-3990
Capitol Offices
(850) 245-0140
Fax
(850) 487-2564
Fraud Hotline
1-866-9-NO-SCAM
1-866-966-7226
Contact
Online Form
Web Page
http://myfloridalegal.com
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Message from Attorney General Charlie Crist
One of the greatest features of our system of democracy is the role government can play in protecting private citizens. Florida’s government has a number of safeguards built into it, many of them designed to protect consumers from exploitation.
Because everyone needs such basic services as electricity and water, one of the most important responsibilities of Florida government is making sure our citizens don’t pay more than they should for services provided by public and private utilities. That essential job falls to the Public Service Commission, commonly known as the PSC, and to the Public Counsel.
The PSC is regularly called upon to determine if a utility’s request to increase rates is justified, or whether a lower figure – or even no increase at all – is the best course of action. The PSC also reviews allegations that consumers have been overcharged, and can order refunds when the facts support it.
The job of the Public Counsel is to represent the public before the PSC, and that usually means arguing for the public’s right to the lowest practical rate. Veteran Public Counsel Jack Shreve has ably filled that role for many years, battling constantly on behalf of everyday consumers. He has been a true champion of the people throughout his quarter-century as Public Counsel, and when he retires June 30 he will leave behind a legacy hard to match.
Before that date arrives, however, he and I will fight together for customers of one utility. This week I made the decision to intervene in a case involving Mr. Shreve’s office and the PSC.(see news release) The case involves a settlement between Progress Energy (formerly Florida Power Corp.) and its ratepayers, an agreement that was approved by the PSC in 2002. The settlement stipulated that ratepayers would get back a certain percentage of company revenues, with the first rebates due two months ago.
The Office of Public Counsel did some calculations and determined that $23 million was due to ratepayers. But the North Carolina-based company did its own math and concluded it should pay only $5 million. Mr. Shreve went before the PSC on behalf of consumers, and on Thursday I joined the case on the side of those same consumers. After all, a deal is a deal and one side should not be allowed to go back on its word. The PSC will meet on Tuesday, May 20, to consider the matter.
The Public Service Commission has an awesome responsibility, trying to balance the needs of consumers against the wishes of the utility giants that come before them. I have committed the Attorney General’s Office to being Florida’s foremost advocate for consumers, and I believe it is our job to speak up for them when we believe they are being wronged.
Jack Shreve has done an exemplary job of speaking for the poor, the elderly, and “just plain folks” throughout his 25 years as Public Counsel. Whomever is chosen to succeed him can be assured that the Attorney General’s Office will be there to help whenever we are needed.
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DISASTER READINESS — A resolution presented by Attorney General Crist honors the American Red Cross while warning Floridians to make preparations for natural and man-made disasters. The resolution, approved by Governor Bush and the Cabinet, recognizes the kickoff of the “Together We Prepare” campaign to make the United States safer from disaster. “With the possibility of war, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and everyday emergencies, being prepared can help save lives,” Attorney General Crist said. The Red Cross recommends five simple steps for disaster preparation: make a plan, built a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood. The campaign is a combined effort of the American Red Cross, Blood Services regions and Armed Forces Emergency Services stations nationwide.
PRODUCTIVITY AWARDS — Employees of the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution were recognized for their contributions by receiving two prestigious Davis Productivity Awards from Florida TaxWatch. Since 1989 the awards program has recognized state employees and offices that make measurable improvements in how they perform their duties and deliver services to Florida citizens. The Narcotics Trafficking and Money Laundering Unit of Statewide Prosecution received a Distinguished Work Unit award for its work against the drug trade and money laundering, including a seven-fold increase in assessed fines from 1999 through last year. In addition, a Notable Work Unit award was given to the Operation L.E.G.I.T. team, a joint effort with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol to combat identity theft. Operation L.E.G.I.T. stands for Law Enforcement Getting Identity Theft.
MURDER OF TEACHER — At the urging of the Attorney General’s Office, a state appeals court upheld the second-degree murder conviction of a teenage boy who shot a teacher to death on the last day of school three years ago. Nathaniel Brazill, who gained national notoriety after shooting teacher Barry Grunow in a hallway at Lake Worth Middle School, appealed both his conviction and 28-year sentence. The 4th District Court of Appeal agreed with attorneys for the state that the conviction was proper and that juveniles have “no absolute right” to receive special sentencing consideration just because of their age.
LEAD PAINT WARNINGS — The Florida Attorney General’s Office joined those of other states in forging a national agreement with the paint industry designed to educate and warn consumers and families about the risk of exposure to lead paint during repainting and home renovations. Under the agreement, paint manufacturers will put warning labels on paint cans and provide consumer education and training to describe the hazards of lead paint exposure and teach consumers how to avoid it. Although lead paint has not been manufactured or sold since 1978, it can still present a serious health risk — especially to young children — when it is uncovered during repainting or renovations.
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Photos:
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| Attorney General Crist, Governor Bush, CFO Gallagher and Commissioner Bronson present a resolution in support of the "Together We Prepare" disaster readiness campaign. The joint effort is being promoted by the American Red Cross, Blood Services regions and Armed Forces Emergency Services stations across the country. Receiving the proclamation is Red Cross certified lifeguard Mark Howell, accompanied by representatives of the American Red Cross, the State Disaster Services Council and others involved in the campaign. | |
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