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.
Dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is expected across Chattooga County and much of Northwest Georgia today as an Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect from noon until 8 p.m.
Another stretch of dangerous summer heat is settling over Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia today, with a Heat Advisory in effect from noon until 8 p.m. for portions of north Georgia. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 90s, while heat index values could reach 105 degrees in parts of the area.
With dangerous heat and heat index values climbing above 100 degrees across Northwest Georgia, veterinarians and agricultural experts are urging pet owners and livestock producers to take extra precautions to protect animals from heat-related illness.
A dangerous stretch of summer heat is expected to settle across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week as temperatures climb into the upper 90s and heat index values soar into the triple digits.
Today will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees, but high humidity will make it feel closer to 102 degrees during the afternoon. While the Heat Advisory remains focused farther south and east, residents across Northwest Georgia should still take precautions against the heat by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and checking on elderly neighbors and those without adequate air conditioning.
Tonight will be clear with a low around 76, offering little relief from the heat. Tuesday will be nearly identical, with another sunny day, a high near 96, and heat index values reaching 103 degrees.
The hottest weather of the week is expected Wednesday through Friday, when afternoon highs climb to 97 degrees. Combined with the humidity, heat index values above 100 degrees will be common each day, and some locations across Georgia could experience heat index values exceeding 105 degrees. Additional Heat Advisories may be issued as the week progresses.
While high pressure will dominate the weather pattern, isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms remain possible throughout the week. Rain chances stay relatively low, generally between 20 and 30 percent, but any storm that develops could produce frequent lightning, heavy downpours, and gusty winds.
Looking ahead to the Independence Day holiday, Saturday is expected to be hot and mostly sunny with a high near 96 degrees and a 30 percent chance of afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Shower and thunderstorm chances increase to around 40 percent by Sunday as moisture gradually returns to the region.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph.
Monday Night
Clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Calm wind.
Wednesday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
Wednesday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly clear, with a low around 76.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
Thursday Night
A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Friday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.
Friday Night
A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 75.
Independence Day
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 96.
Saturday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94.
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.
Expect another hot and humid day across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, with only a limited chance for relief from scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat is expected to impact Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia this week, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values frequently reaching between 100 and 105 degrees.
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.