The extreme heat is making air conditioners in Northwest Georgia work overtime and the extra power required to keep homes cool is coming at a bad time for many lower to middle-income families. 

Georgia Power customers are paying an average of $16 more per month after the Georgia Public Service Commission agreed to a rate increase – that doesn’t take into account the extra power it is taking to keep homes at a comfortable level when temperatures are near 100 degrees outside.

The bad news is, Georgia Power customers will wind up with power bills costing about $45 more per month by the end of 2025, due to more scheduled rate hikes by the utility company.

While there is a assistance through programs like LIHEAP that can help the lowest income households, those that don’t qualify for that type of assistance are feeling the pinch.  With increased costs for food and the expense of children heading back to school and off to college – many families are feeling the pressure to pay the extra power bills.

If there is any good news – it does look like temperatures will be moderating over the next few days in Northwest Georgia.