(WUGA) — Georgia Power serves millions of customers across the state. A new watchdog nonprofit has formed to advocate for its customers.
A study published earlier this year says that Georgia Power made nearly $2 billion in 2022 while also having some of the highest power shutoff rates in the nation. The report used data on shutoffs published by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The commission governs energy production and distribution in the state.
Georgia Utility Watch launched Tuesday and aims to lower energy bills by promoting reform in Georgia’s utility sector.
The nonprofit will advocate for increased use of sustainable energy sources. It will also focus on preventing every day customers from bearing the brunt of data center costs, which are expected to surge in Georgia in the coming years.
The nonprofit is run by Patty Durand, a vocal critic of the current PSC. Her organization also plans to track how PSC members vote. Two of the commissioners will be up for reelection in November.
Georgia Power representatives provided the following statement in response to the new nonprofit’s claims that it shuts off customers’ electricity at high rates and that it may force customers to foot the bill for data centers:
“Many utilities and states do not report disconnections, so this is not a verified claim. It’s important to note that Georgia Power has a strong history of working with customers every day to address past due bills and make payment arrangements to avoid disconnection, which is always a last resort for our company.
Also important, around 2/3 of disconnected customers make payments to restore service quickly (approximately 70% of reconnects happen remotely, meaning they are typically reconnected within minutes of making payment). During 2024, approximately 184,000 residential customers were disconnected with nearly 137,000 (74%) of those customers paying to restore their service – often the same or next day.
We have long focused on connecting customers – including senior citizens, those with special needs or limited incomes – with programs and resources from Georgia Power and those offered by established non-profit, faith-based or governmental organizations to aid them when they’re in need.
Georgia Power will follow new rules established by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in January that are designed to protect ratepayers from cost shifting.”
This article appears on Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA
