Rep. Lynn Westmoreland,

R-Sharpsburg, is hoping a bill that he cosponsored will bring some relief

to consumers reeling with the state's high natural gas bills.

"We believe

it is time to address the issues facing Georgia's consumers following

deregulation," said Westmoreland, whose district includes part of

Fayette County.

The bill addresses

many issues that occurred after the industry was deregulated last year,

he said.

Some of the

bills key provisions include:

Gas marketers

have to issue refunds to customers who have been overbilled within 30

days. The bill does not require consumers to make a written request for

the refund.

Customers

can switch gas companies twice a year without any switching fees and deposits

will be reduced 40 percent.

Currently,

gas marketers can ask for a deposit of up to 250 percent of the highest

expected monthly bill. The deposit would be reduced to 150 percent.

The Public

Service Commission will produce easily understandable price comparisons

every quarter.

The PSC will

be given more powers concerning the oversight of billing systems and customer

service systems.

EMCs will

be allowed to become marketers of natural gas services.

The PSC will

be given additional powers to regulate pricing and delivery of natural

gas if the market becomes noncompetitive.

"This

legislation is a comprehensive solution to the current ills in the natural

gas market in Georgia," said Rep. Mark Burkhalter, who authored the

bill. "It gives the PSC new powers and responsibilities to regulate

the marketers, and gives consumers new freedoms."

Westmoreland

is hoping the legislation will pass quickly.