Press Mention The Atlanta Journal-Constitution June 26, 2025
Topical Mention
Georgia Power rate freeze deal faces scrutiny from environmental and consumer groups
In this mention
Georgia Power has struck a deal with the PSC to freeze base rates through 2028 as the utility plans massive infrastructure expansion to serve data centers. Environmental and consumer protection groups oppose the agreement, arguing it may not benefit customers long-term and lacks adequate scrutiny of the company's data center-driven investments. The PSC is scheduled to vote on the stipulation early the following week.
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Full transcript
By Drew Kann
June 27, 2025
Georgia Power customers are paying significantly more for electricity today than they were just two and a half years ago, the result of six Public Service Commission-approved rate increases.
This summer, the utility was supposed to ask the PSC to adjust its rates again — possibly by raising them. But in May, Georgia Power announced a deal struck with the PSC's public interest staff to keep its current base rates in place through 2028. Other manufacturing and utility groups have since endorsed the deal, too.
As the company plans a massive build-out of infrastructure to serve the state's data center influx, Georgia Power says "freezing" rates now is in customers' best interest. The PSC staff's experts agree.
But environmental and consumer protection groups say the agreement, known as a "stipulation," may not be as good for customers in the long run as it seems.
The commission held its only planned hearing on the agreement Thursday, before the PSC's five members vote to approve or adjust the deal early next week.