#CostOfLiving | AM 1180 Radio

February 27, 2026

Senate Panel Rewrites Data Center Power Cost Bill as Northwest Georgia Families Worry About High Electric Bills

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A Georgia Senate committee has rewritten legislation meant to protect consumers from higher electricity costs tied to the state’s fast-growing data center industry, advancing a version that supporters say is less explicit about shielding residential customers. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved the revamped proposal after rejecting language that would have clearly barred utilities from passing certain data center-related costs onto regular ratepayers.

February 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Drivers Could See Relief: Auto Insurance Rates Drop, Lawmakers Push More Reforms

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Georgia drivers may finally be seeing a break after years of rising insurance premiums.

This month, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King announced more than $25 million in auto insurance rate reductions, led by major carriers including Allstate and Country Mutual. State officials say the filings signal a potentially more stable and competitive auto insurance market—welcome news for families who’ve watched monthly bills climb.

February 21, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore Won’t Seek Reelection, Weighs Possible Run for Congress

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Republican Georgia Public Service Commission incumbent Tricia Pridemore announced Tuesday that she will not seek reelection this year, a move that adds fresh uncertainty to the balance of power on the five-member panel that regulates monopoly utilities such as Georgia Power.

February 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Rise to $2.72 a Gallon as Spring Maintenance Begins

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Fuel prices in Georgia moved higher this week, pushing the statewide average to $2.72 per gallon as of Monday, though drivers could still see day-to-day swings at the pump. AAA-The Auto Club Group says rising oil costs and the start of seasonal refinery maintenance are tightening supplies and nudging prices upward, even as winter weather has kept demand somewhat lower.

February 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Summerville Sanitation Rate Increase Sparks Pushback From Councilwoman Simone Adams

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A major sanitation rate increase approved by Summerville City Council is drawing criticism from Councilwoman Simone Adams, who says she voted against the change because the jump is too steep for residents to absorb at one time.

February 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Critics Warn Georgia Income Tax Cut Plan Could Leave Working Families Behind

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A major income tax cut plan approved by the Georgia Senate is being praised by supporters as “relief” for taxpayers — but critics on the left say the measure could end up harming the very people it claims to help: low-income residents and the lower working class.

February 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rising Georgia Power Bills Spark Frustration in Chattooga County as PSC Makeup Shifts

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Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, many residents say steadily rising Georgia Power bills are placing increased pressure on household budgets, particularly for low- to moderate-income families and seniors on fixed incomes.

February 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Hold Steady as February Begins, Offering Relief for Local Drivers

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Georgia drivers are seeing familiar numbers at the pump this week, as the state’s average gas price remains unchanged from last week. As of Monday, the average is holding at $2.66 per gallon, though motorists could still see minor day-to-day fluctuations depending on location and timing.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Housing Affordability Squeeze Grows in Chattooga County as Prices Rise and Rentals Stay Tight

Local News, Local News Items #AffordableHousing, #chattoogacounty, #CommunityIssues, #CostOfLiving, #FairMarketRent, #FirstTimeHomebuyers, #FixedIncome, #Homeownership, #HomePrices, #HousingAffordability, #HousingChoiceVoucher, #HousingCosts, #HousingMarket, #HousingSupply, #Inventory, #LocalEconomy, #LocalNews, #lyerlyga, #MedianHomePrice, #MenloGA, #MortgageRates, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #PropertyInsurance, #PropertyTaxes, #QualityOfLife, #RealEstate, #RentalMarket, #Renters, #RuralHousing, #Section8, #SeniorHousing, #summervillega, #trionga, #WorkforceHousing, #wzqznews, georgia 0

For many families in Chattooga County, housing is still considered “more affordable than the big cities” — but that doesn’t mean it feels affordable on a local paycheck.

January 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Hold Steady This Week With Minor Uptick; Northwest Georgia Averages Remain Moderate

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Georgia drivers are seeing little change at the pump this week as the statewide average price for regular gasoline edged up one cent to $2.66 per gallon as of Monday, with day-to-day fluctuations still possible.