Governor Brian Kemp recently met privately with executives from OpenAI and Georgia Power as state leaders continue exploring Georgia’s role in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. According to documents obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act, the meeting took place on June 11 at the State Capitol, although neither the Governor’s Office nor OpenAI disclosed what was discussed.
Georgia households are paying significantly more to keep the lights on than they were just six years ago, as a series of rate increases and higher energy costs continue to push electric bills upward.
The Georgia Public Service Commission is reminding customers that special rules apply when dangerous summer heat is in the forecast.
Under PSC rules, Georgia Power cannot disconnect electric service to a residential customer for non-payment if a National Weather Service Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, or forecast to be in effect, for that customer’s county before 8 a.m. on the scheduled disconnection date.
The rule applies specifically to Georgia Power, which is regulated by the PSC. Customers served by electric membership corporations or municipal electric systems should contact their provider directly to ask about similar policies.
The restriction is temporary. Once the heat advisory or warning ends, disconnection can be reinstated. The PSC encourages customers at risk of losing service to contact their provider and make payment arrangements.
Customers who need help may also contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 404-656-4501, 800-282-5813, or by email at gapsc@psc.ga.gov.
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 temperatures climb into the 90s across Northwest Georgia this week, many Georgia Power customers could see their electric bills rise as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool.
The City of Summerville has received a $187,798.50 grant reimbursement for construction of a new soccer mini-pitch at the Fairgrounds property near Fairway Recreation.
The City of Summerville, with assistance from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, successfully applied in 2025 for the GA 100 Initiative Project soccer mini-pitch grant. The project was funded through a $100,000 contribution from the Atlanta United Foundation’s GA 100 Initiative and $87,798.50 from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation.
The new 60-foot by 120-foot soccer mini-pitch will provide additional recreational opportunities for local youth and families while enhancing Summerville’s growing parks and recreation offerings.
Additional support for the Fairgrounds improvements included a $20,000 grant from the Menlo-Tillotson Foundation for new restroom facilities and a $10,000 contribution from Georgia Power for electrical upgrades at the site.
Future plans for the Fairgrounds property include adding a full-size soccer field and expanded parking to support continued growth in recreational programming and community events.
The U.S. Energy Department has offered a record $26.54 billion loan package to subsidiaries of Southern Company to strengthen and expand the electric grid in Georgia and Alabama.
Some City of Summerville water customers may experience low water pressure or no water service today due to a scheduled Georgia Power outage.
The outage is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, and will affect the city’s water pump station located on Highway 48.
Areas that may be impacted include Peach Orchard Road, Highway 48, Hairlake Road, and Beavers Road.
City officials say the estimated restoration time is approximately three hours.
Anyone with questions can contact the City of Summerville Maintenance Department at 706-859-0907.
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.
Georgia Power customers are being warned about active scams involving people pretending to represent the utility company.
Scammers may contact customers by phone, text message, fake websites, or even door-to-door visits, claiming a bill is overdue and threatening immediate disconnection unless payment is made right away.
Georgia Power says customers should be especially cautious if someone demands payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, or similar methods. The company says it does not collect payments door-to-door and does not demand those types of payments.
Customers should also watch for fake caller ID information and lookalike websites designed to steal personal or payment information.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or visit should hang up, avoid giving out personal information, and verify the request by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting GeorgiaPower.com.
Customers approached at home by someone suspicious should also contact local law enforcement.
