A bill advancing at the Georgia Capitol could bring back an independent watchdog for ratepayers as power costs remain a major concern for families and small businesses across Northwest Georgia.
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.
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.
Georgia Power customers may see some relief on their monthly electric bills later this year. The company’s president and CEO, Kim Greene, said this week that Georgia Power plans to file upcoming changes that would lower rates starting in June 2026.
Georgia Power and staff at the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) have reached a deal on a massive $16 billion power expansion that critics say will leave everyday Georgians paying the price for big data centers and utility profits.