Georgia Power is asking state regulators to approve a plan that would charge customers $912 million over the next four years to recover costs tied to Hurricane Helene and other major storms. The proposal, filed with the Georgia Public Service Commission, would add about $4.42 per month to the typical residential bill based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours of usage, with higher-use households likely paying more.
Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen said Tuesday that a barn on his farm was destroyed after being struck by lightning during storms overnight.
Allen and his wife, Whitney, said the lightning strike hit a fence charger, which sparked the fire that resulted in the barn being a total loss.
In a statement, the Allens thanked the Gore Fire Department and Hays State Prison firefighters for their quick response.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank Gore Fire Department and Hays Prison on their quick response and professionalism that they showed early this morning,” the statement said. “During the storms last night lightning hit our fence charger which sparked a fire and our barn was a total loss.”
The Allens said firefighters worked quickly to ensure the fire was fully contained and did not spread to their nearby horse barn.
“We appreciate their efforts and kindness,” the statement concluded.
With icing possible in the region, local insurance agent Butch Eleam is reminding residents that many insurance companies not only allow, but encourage homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a storm.
