Savannah residents, businesses push back against rising energy bills

Savannah residents, businesses push back against rising energy bills

One resident said his energy bill has increased nearly $400

Frustration over rising energy costs is growing in Savannah, as residents and business owners say higher power bills are forcing tough financial decisions.

On Tuesday, residents, small business owners, advocates, and city leaders gathered in downtown Savannah to call on state and federal agencies to prioritize cleaner, more affordable energy options. Many say current energy policies are driving up costs for families and local businesses.

At The Sentient Bean, owner Kristen Russell says higher energy bills are creating ripple effects throughout her business — and her customer base.

"We try really hard here at The Bean to keep prices low," Russell said. But rising utility costs have made that difficult. She says she's had to raise prices, knowing it could cost her customers.

"I'm likely to lose some customers," Russell said. "I've seen people who used to spend five dollars on their daily coffee now spending three-fifty and buying something smaller — or coming in less often — because they're saving their money for health care and energy."

Russell joined residents, advocates, and city leaders in criticizing President Donald Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" and state energy policies, arguing they continue to prioritize fossil fuels over cleaner, cheaper alternatives.

According to data from energy advocates, Georgia Power has implemented six rate increases over the past three years. A graphic from the Southern Environmental Law Center shows the steady climb in customer costs during that time.

For lifelong Savannah resident Bodua Gordon, the increases have meant cutting back on everyday expenses.

"It's been a lot of things we haven't been able to do," Gordon said. "Vacations, regular purchases — even having a second car — because you have to make sure your bills get paid."

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy says rising fuel costs tied to natural gas and coal — along with large, over-budget energy projects — are major drivers of higher rates.

"The more you have to pay for spikes in fuel costs like gas and coal, the more you have to pay for big projects that go way over schedule and over budget," Chris Carnevale with the Alliance said.

Georgia Power says it is taking steps to address customer concerns. The utility reports it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent and plans to freeze base energy rates through 2028.

"We anticipate lowering rates by about $8.50 a month for the average customer," Joshua Peacock with Georgia Power said. "That could really impact families and small businesses across Georgia."

WJCL 22 News reached out to Congressman Buddy Carter for a response on how President Trump's energy legislation could impact Georgia energy costs:

"Georgians are still recovering from four years of disastrous Biden-Harris economic and energy policies, which Senator Jon Ossoff continues to support. Rising energy costs are a real concern that must be addressed. That is why President Trump and House Republicans have championed policies to unleash American energy dominance and lower prices at the pump, which in Georgia are down 11% from last year. As the Working Families Tax Cuts, which put $5,000 back in Georgians' pockets, and other key policies go into full effect, more financial relief is coming for Americans nationwide," said Rep. Buddy Carter.