Georgia Power Seeking to Raise Rates

If you think you've been paying enough for your electricity, you may have to dig even deeper into your wallet next year. Georgia Power is asking the state to raise rates.

The company filed for a proposed $615 million increase in 2011. A typical residential customer would see a monthly bill go up about $10.88 a month, with more increases in 2012 and 2013.

A lot of folks showed up Tuesday at Savannah City Hall for a chance to speak before the Georgia Public Service Commission, which will decide whether or not to grant the request from Georgia Power.

"It is a recession. Do they not understand? We are suffering," said Ruth Miller.

"Ten percent of the people in Georgia cannot find a job and another higher percentage than that are working 2 or 3 jobs a week to feed their family. This is an outrage," said William Cooper.

"What they should be looking at is more creative ways of increasing their business and profits. If they can't make it in the utility world, go out and open ice cream stands or do something else," said a man from Whitemarsh Island.

"I've never seen so many fees on bills in my life. Electricity is not a luxury when you're on a fixed income," said Juanita Fisher.

"There's no justification for an increased rate of return. Any increased rate of return is immoral but worse than that, economically not necessary," said Dr. Kenneth Zapp.

The PSC listened to all the comments, but commissioners said it's still early in the process.

"We represent the people, but we also represent the utilities and we must bid in a balanced fashion but what that balance will be is yet to be determined. Because like I said we have not had any information given to us at this time," said commissioner Doug Everett.

Georgia Power officials appreciate the input but say they've worked hard to improve service.

"We've made significant investments in our infrastructure to make sure they have reliable service, that they have low rates, and that they have great customer service. Our rates are below the national average. We're proud of that and that's something we want to continue," said Christy Ihrig, a spokeswoman for Georgia Power.

The PSC has two more public hearings about the proposed rate hike in the next month. They also still have to review all the evidence and other filings required for the case.

The commission will make a final decision on the Georgia Power case on December 21. If approved, the higher rates would go into effect January 1.

More information can be found at the Georgia PSC website www.psc.state.ga.us under Docket Number 31958.

You can call the PSC at 1-800-282-5813.