Georgia Power Customers Face Record High Electricity Bills

News Summary

Georgia Power customers in metro Atlanta are experiencing significant increases in their electricity bills, with some facing spikes of over $300 amid one of the hottest summers in nearly a decade. Many households have reported sharp increases despite maintaining consistent thermostat settings. As July temperatures soared above average, Georgia Power noted higher energy consumption and multiple rate increases since 2023. With another anticipated rate hike in 2025, customer advocates are calling for better support and advocacy measures to assist those affected by escalating energy costs.

Atlanta, Georgia – Customers of Georgia Power in metro Atlanta are facing significant increases in their electricity bills, with some reports indicating spikes of over $300 compared to previous months. This surge comes during one of the hottest summers in nearly a decade, leading to higher energy usage amid consistent thermostat settings for many households.

Two local residents, Brenda Lankfert and Michael Reff, highlighted this issue after receiving bills nearing $800 and experiencing dramatic increases of 117% and other similar rates from their previous bills. Lankfert’s bill was close to $780, with substantial charges stemming from two air conditioning units. Despite maintaining a year-round thermostat setting of around 78 degrees, the high temperatures during July have caused unexpected financial strain on her household.

Georgia Power explained that July’s temperatures averaged 2-5 degrees above normal, contributing to elevated energy consumption among customers. The utility company has noted that increased temperatures often lead to higher electricity usage, which is especially evident during peak hours from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., when electricity costs are at their highest. Furthermore, Georgia Power has experienced multiple rate increases since 2023, resulting in an average $43 hike in residential bills.

Looking ahead, another rate increase is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025, which will add approximately $5.48 to the average household bill. Georgia Power is also in the process of recouping $306 million from ratepayers to support upgrades to its power grid and energy sources. In 2024, the company reported profits of $4.4 billion—a $400 million or 10% increase from the previous year—raising concerns among consumer advocates about the impact on middle and lower-income households.

In response to the rising costs, Georgia Power has suggested various resources to aid customers in managing their bills, including the Community Assistance Resource Locator, Income Qualified Portal, and the EASE Program. Both Lankfert and Reff have urged Georgia Power to launch an energy conservation and billing practice campaign to further assist customers during this financially challenging time.

Georgia Power’s rates have remained approximately 15% below the national average since 1990. However, there are regulatory measures in place. The Georgia Public Service Commission oversees the utility company’s earnings and has set a cap on returns on equity at 11.9%. Should Georgia Power exceed this profit threshold, customers may be eligible for rebates on their bills.

Additionally, the Georgia legislature is considering the establishment of a consumer utility counsel to represent customer interests before the Public Service Commission, which could provide a platform for addressing consumer grievances and further advocating for equitable utility practices.

As Georgia Power files its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines its energy provision strategy for the next three years, public hearings will be held to solicit community input. These meetings could play a crucial role in shaping future energy policies and pricing structures, especially as high temperatures and electricity cost concerns continue to impact residents across the region.

With ongoing extreme heat and cumulative rate increases, Georgia Power customers may need to explore energy-saving measures to alleviate financial burdens. The current climate, both literally and figuratively, emphasizes the vital importance of energy efficiency and consumer advocacy as utilities navigate rising demands and expectations.

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