Homeowners across the Peach State are feeling the pinch of high power bills this summer.  Georgia Power has hiked rates twice and that combined with hot and humid weather has kept the power meters spinning and power bills that seem out of reach for some of the utility company’s customers.

Profits at Southern Company — the parent of Georgia Power — rose to $1.2 billion in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of more than 43% compared to last year, as the company benefitted from a series of electricity rate increases, high temperatures and an influx of data centers to its service territories.

The company reported on Thursday that its earnings across the first half of the year are also up more than 35% compared to 2023, climbing from $1.7 billion to $2.3 billion. Operating revenues in the first six months of 2024 were $13.1 billion, an increase of more than 7% compared to the year prior.

The average customer is seeing power bills at least $38 higher than normal, with some customers saying their power bills have nearly doubled this summer.

Georgia Power is finished with rate hikes – another one is expected in January of 2025.