For the first time in several years, Georgia Power customers may see an increase on their bills.
Georgia Power is seeking to raise electric cost by 7% in 2020 to bring in an additional $2.2 billion over three years, according to WABE.
The power company says an increase is imperative to pay for infrastructure improvements, such as grid improvements, storm restoration, and environmental programs. In a written statement submitted to state regulators, Georgia Power CEO Paul Bowers said, “Our current base rates are no longer sufficient to allow the company to recover costs necessary to providing safe, reliable electric service to our customers.”
Georgia Power also says there are federal standards that have to be met and that the current prices are below the national average, but customers are staunchly opposed.
The increase could be considerable for some customers. A Georgia Power representative told WJCL in Savannah that a “typical residential customer using about 1,000 kilowatt hours a month would see just under a $9.80 increase.”
PaylessPower, which analyzed electricity rates across the country, recently reported that the average monthly electric bill in Georgia is $95.98. Even still, there are at least 10 states with lower monthly bill averages than Georgia.
See the map below for average costs by state. (Information as of August 2019)
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WABE also reported that the last two times Georgia Power sought a rate increase, the state regulators approved less than what was requested. In 2013, the most recent rate increase for Georgia Power, $1.4 billion in creases were sought, but $870 was approved. Back in 2010, Georgia Power requested $2.4 billion in increases and was approved for $1.5 billion.
The final decision is up to the Georgia Public Service Commission, the entity of elected officials responsible for making decisions related to utilities. A decision is expected in December and would take effect in January 2020.
Photo: Yummifruitbat
Kevin
September 23, 2019 at 7:52 pm
How do we speak our mind about this??? 9.80 a month does not seem like much, but it adds up when you are on a fixed income that doesn’t raise with inflation…
Harold and Anita Whitman
September 24, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Each month when we get our Ga. Power bill we are amazed at how low it is. I think they do an outstanding job. I think what they are asking is very reasonable and will be used for our benefit.
Pam
September 27, 2019 at 4:03 pm
What other base rates will increase? Connection fees, reconnection fees, deposits? Maybe increases should be based on a rate scale by square footage easily attained from the tax office. Surely the guy in the 3000 SQ ft house uses more than the guy living in 1000. Why should the latter pay the same? And stipulate a time period between increases.