Georgia Power customers are seeing a small reduction in their electric bills this month, but consumer advocates and energy experts say larger cost concerns may still be on the horizon.

The Georgia Public Service Commission recently approved an agreement that will reduce bills for the typical residential customer by about $4 per month, or roughly $50 per year. The decrease took effect in June and is tied to changes in fuel and storm-cost recovery charges.

However, a new report from Inside Climate News notes that while customers are receiving short-term relief, Georgia Power’s cost-recovery system allows the utility to pass certain expenses on to ratepayers, including costs associated with major storm recovery efforts and future infrastructure investments.

The report also highlights concerns about growing electricity demand from data centers and whether future costs associated with serving those large users could eventually affect residential customers. Some consumer advocates have argued that regulators should continue examining how those costs are allocated.

Georgia Power officials say the recent agreement will provide approximately $285 million in annual savings statewide while maintaining reliable electric service. The company has also pointed to long-term plans intended to keep rates stable as Georgia continues to experience population and economic growth.

While customers are expected to enjoy slightly lower bills this summer, discussions over storm recovery costs, future energy demand, and utility investments are likely to remain major issues before state regulators in the years ahead.