The Georgia Public Service Commission has voted to move forward with an investigation into whether Georgia Power’s largest electricity customers—including data centers—are paying their fair share of fuel costs or shifting those expenses onto residential and small business customers.

Commissioners approved opening the investigation Tuesday after concerns were raised about Georgia Power’s Real Time Pricing (RTP) rate structure, which is used almost exclusively by the utility’s largest industrial customers, including many data centers. The inquiry will examine whether customers on the RTP rate contribute appropriately to the fuel costs associated with generating electricity.

The investigation stems from testimony during recent fuel cost hearings, where Public Service Commission staff argued the current pricing system may leave households and small businesses paying a larger share of fuel-related expenses as electricity demand grows. Staff estimates suggested the current structure could increase fuel costs for residential customers by as much as 5% to 11% in coming years if changes are not made.

Georgia has experienced explosive growth in data center construction, fueled largely by artificial intelligence and cloud computing. To meet that demand, Georgia Power has received approval to significantly expand its electric generating capacity over the coming years. While the utility has maintained that large customers pay the full cost of the infrastructure built to serve them, critics argue the issue of ongoing fuel costs deserves closer scrutiny.

Environmental organizations and consumer advocates welcomed the commission’s decision, saying Georgians deserve greater transparency about who is paying for the state’s rapidly growing electricity demand.

The Public Service Commission emphasized that the investigation is intended to determine whether the current rate design remains fair and whether changes are needed to ensure fuel costs are allocated appropriately among all customer classes. The commission is expected to hold additional hearings and gather evidence before considering any changes to Georgia Power’s pricing policies.