State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, is continuing his push to protect Georgia residents from cost increases as the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) prepares to vote on an agreement that could allow Georgia Power to add nearly 10 gigawatts of new generation by 2031.

Georgia Power says the added capacity is needed to meet growing demand from data centers, but Hufstetler argues the massive construction price tag will eventually land on ratepayers.

“Georgia and Alabama already pay the second-highest energy costs in the Southeast,” Hufstetler said. “And I don’t want Georgia residents subsidizing data centers.”

Georgia Power has estimated the buildout would cost at least $16 billion. Hufstetler also questioned why PSC staff appears to have shifted positions after previously recommending approval of only part of the request.

“I’m curious what changed in the last few weeks to get the PSC staff to reverse course,” he said.

Georgia Power Region Executive Melissa Free disputed Hufstetler’s claims, saying the company is working with the PSC to ensure large-load customers like data centers pay their fair share, and that new rules help structure contracts intended to protect residential customers.

Hufstetler’s Senate Bill 34, still active for the upcoming January session, would restrict Georgia Power from transferring data-center energy costs onto regular consumers. He also raised concerns about reliance on natural gas, noting fuel costs are typically passed directly to customers if prices spike.

The PSC is slated to vote Friday.