Hundreds of invited guests gathered this week at Plant Bowen in Northwest Georgia as Georgia Power officially broke ground on one of the largest electric generation expansion projects in the company’s history.
Many Georgia Power customers may have noticed that electric bills remain high this summer, even though the utility recently lowered the fuel portion of its rates.
According to WABE, the biggest reason is increased summer electricity use. As temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer and harder, driving up the amount of electricity households consume. At the same time, Georgia Power’s higher seasonal summer rates take effect, meaning customers pay more for electricity during the months when demand is greatest.
Although the Georgia Public Service Commission approved a reduction in Georgia Power’s fuel costs that lowered the average residential bill by about $4 per month beginning in June, those savings are often outweighed by increased air conditioning use and higher summer rates.
Georgia Power recommends several ways to reduce bills, including raising the thermostat by one degree, using a programmable thermostat, replacing HVAC filters regularly, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and taking advantage of free home energy audits and available rebates for energy-efficient improvements. Consumer advocates also encourage customers to carefully review optional billing plans before switching, as some may cost more over time depending on energy usage.
As population growth, industrial expansion, and increased electricity usage continue across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority is making major investments in power generation and grid infrastructure to meet rising demand throughout its seven-state service region.
Georgia Power customers are seeing a small reduction in their electric bills this month, but consumer advocates and energy experts say larger cost concerns may still be on the horizon.