Georgia Power ‘s use of fossil fuels:
48% natural gas & oil 15% coal.
Electric Membership Cooperatives
Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) are member-owned, not-for-profit utilities that serve approximately 4.4 million of Georgia’s 10 million residents and 73 percent of the state’s land area. Georgia’s EMCs employ more than 6,000 workers and operate by far the largest distribution network in the state, with 194,867 miles of electric power lines.
Georgia’s Public Service Commission
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is a body of five elected officials whose job is to regulate utilities and ensure fair and accountable governance in our state’s energy sector. Their decisions directly impact the cost of power bills and the future of clean energy in our state.
The commission, by its own description, “must balance Georgia citizens’ need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment.”
Georgia Power
The PSC oversees Georgia Power, a monopoly investor-owned utility company. For most Georgia Power power customers, it’s their only option to buy electricity. As an investor-owned company, Georgia Power also aims to make a profit; the commission decides how much it can make by setting a figure in the rate case called “return on equity.”
Most recently, the PSC voted to approve a Georgia Powers Integrated Resource Plan, which will allow the monopoly to continue using oil and natural gas instead of prioritizing clean, affordable alternatives.
As Americans concerned about climate change, environmental justice, and energy affordability, the PSC is a commission that can no longer be ignored!
Democracy
Bills Are Too High!
This is not the first time your bills have been raised. No matter where you live, if you pay a power bill in Georgia,
or know someone who is paying a power bill, THIS AFFECTS YOU! The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has full authority over Georgia Power and they can disapprove the rate increase. We elect the PSC and their job is to ensure we have safe, reliable and AFFORDABLE electricity from Georgia Power.
Your bills have been raised over and over again.
You don’t have to struggle alone with high power bills
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Federal Government program that can help low-income families to pay their energy bills. The program is managed by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services and is available every year from November to May.
The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE
The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE
Provides “emergency bill-payment assistance to individuals and families facing a temporary crisis that threatens their home.” Last year, Project SHARE provided assistance to more than 50,000 Georgians. If you would like to apply, call 1.800.25SHARE. They take calls for assistance from 9-10 a.m. local time on Wednesday mornings. You can also try calling your power company’s customer service number.
Heating Energy Assistance Team
Heating Energy Assistance Team
Distributes energy assistance funds to needy families. For more information call 404.656.6696 or your local Community Action Agency.