(The Center Square) – A new stipulated agreement reached between Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission’s Public Interest Advocacy staff could lower electric bills while giving the utility the capacity it needs to power data centers, the utility said Wednesday.
The plan would take the burden off Georgia Power’s residential and business base by ensuring $556 million in annual revenue from large load customers when the company makes its next rate case in 2028, Georgia Power officials said in a release. The revenue would put downward pressure of at least $8.50 a month for the typical residential customer.
The Public Service Commission will vote on the plan on Dec. 19. A public hearing on Georgia Power’s proposal began Wednesday, before the agreement was announced. Some raised concerns about Georgia Power’s plan to use gas-powered plants to increase its load.
Commission staff said in documents that they were concerned approval of load increase would raise electric bills for Georgia consumers. The agreement announced Thursday will help consumers, according to Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power
“Unlike any other market in the country, we’re doing things differently here in Georgia to capture and serve this projected unprecedented growth,” Greens said. “This stipulated agreement helps ensure we leverage Georgia’s growth in a way that lowers costs for customers. Large energy users are paying more so families and small businesses can pay less, and that’s a great result for Georgians.”
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Gov. Brian Kemp praised the plan.
“To keep Georgia the best place to live, work, raise a family, and create good-paying jobs, we’re making sure our state’s growth helps drive down energy costs and strengthen reliability,” the governor said on social media.