Georgia Power customers could see slightly lower electric bills later this year under a proposed agreement now headed to the Georgia Public Service Commission for approval.

The utility company says the deal would save customers about $285 million annually statewide. For the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, that works out to roughly $4.04 per month — or less than $50 a year.

Consumer advocates, however, say the savings are modest compared to the sharp increases customers have faced over the past several years. Since 2023, Georgia Power customers have seen multiple rate hikes tied to fuel costs, storm recovery expenses, and construction costs connected to the Vogtle nuclear expansion project.

Critics argue that while any reduction helps, many families are still paying significantly more for electricity than they were just a few years ago, especially heading into the high-demand summer season.

The agreement would spread certain fuel and storm recovery costs over a longer period of time while also applying additional tax credits to offset customer bills. Some of the storm-related expenses are connected to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

The proposal now goes before the Georgia Public Service Commission, which has faced criticism in recent years from consumer groups who say regulators have too often sided with the utility company during rate cases.

If approved, the changes would take effect this summer.