News Summary
Georgia Power customers are grappling with unprecedented electricity bills this July, as state temperatures soar above normal. Many households report bills significantly higher due to increased air conditioning use. The average monthly bill has surged by $43 since the previous year, with some households seeing increases over $300. These rising costs stem from several rate hikes and global fuel price changes, despite Georgia maintaining lower rates than the national average. The utility provider offers energy-saving programs to help customers manage their consumption during peak hours.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Power customers are facing record-high electricity bills this July as the state endures one of its hottest months on record, with temperatures averaging 2 to 5 degrees above normal. Many residents have reported surprisingly high charges due to intensified air conditioning use during the heatwave, contributing to an increase in monthly electricity expenses.
Since 2022, the average monthly residential electricity bill for Georgia Power customers has soared by $43, translating into an approximate increase of $516 annually for the average household. Specifically, a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month has witnessed their average bill rise to roughly $171 for the year, with the July bills experiencing a significant leap to about $266.
The rising costs can be attributed to six recent rate increases sanctioned by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) over the last two years. These adjustments have been compounded by global fuel price hikes, essential upgrades to energy infrastructure, and a marked expansion in energy demand, particularly driven by large data centers. These facilities require over 100 megawatts of electricity, an amount sufficient to power around 80,000 U.S. homes.
Despite these increases, Georgia Power’s rates remain about 15% lower than the national average, a trend observed since 1990. As of May 2025, Georgia’s electricity rate stands at 15 cents per kWh, which is lower than the national average of 17 to 17.5 cents per kWh. Georgia Power caters to approximately 2.7 million customers across the state, who are now keenly feeling the impact of elevated summer temperatures on energy consumption.
Some customers have reported July electricity bills reaching as high as $1,223, with several households experiencing increases of over $300 despite maintaining consistent thermostat settings. These fluctuations highlight how individual energy consumption varies significantly during extreme weather, even when average rates remain consistent. In this context, Georgia Power reassures customers that their overall rates have been stable.
To assist residents in managing these high utility bills, Georgia Power recommends various energy-saving programs. One such initiative is the EASE Program, which provides free upgrades for qualifying households to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, the My Power Usage app is available for customers to monitor their electricity usage, helping them to avoid unexpected high bills.
Customers are encouraged to manage their energy consumption during peak hours—specifically from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.—when electricity is more expensive. The PSC is actively involved in delineating how costs are shared between corporate entities and residential ratepayers, ensuring stability in the utility pricing framework.
In an effort to provide some relief, Georgia Power has committed to freezing base electric rates until 2027, as agreed upon with the PSC. Concurrently, the utility is making significant investments in infrastructure, including expanding Plant Vogtle, a nuclear energy project that aims to bolster energy supply in the long run.
As Georgia Power navigates these challenges, customers must remain informed and proactive about their energy use to mitigate the effects of high temperatures and rising electricity costs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Why Georgia Electric Bills Higher This Summer
- Wikipedia: Electricity in the United States
- Atlanta News First: Customers Concerned Over High Georgia Power Bills
- Google Search: Georgia Power bills
- AJC: Feel Like Your Georgia Power Bill is High This Summer? Here’s Why
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Rates
- WSB TV: Georgia Power Customers Say Their Bills Surged
- Google News: Georgia electricity costs
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
