Georgia’s main electric power monopoly filed requests with state regulators Tuesday to set new billing rates for customers that will recover the cost of storm-related repairs and adjust for changes in fuel prices.
The company said its new rate requests will “protect customers from future fuel price volatility” by locking in prices for future supply while also reducing bills. The company burns coal and natural gas to make electricity that it transmits to customers.
Hurricane Helene lashed Georgia in late 2024, causing major losses for agriculture and other sectors. Georgia Power said nearly $800 million of the $912 million in storm damage it wants to bill customers for over the next four years was caused by Helene.
Georgia Power is allowed to pass on recovery and fuel costs to customers, but it must have permission from the Georgia Public Service Commission, the elected body that regulates utilities.
So the company filed documents with the agency that make the case for adjusting its billing rates. It said favorable fuel costs would benefit customers.
“If approved, expected fuel savings will be more than enough to offset storm costs resulting in a 1 percent rate decrease for the average retail customer, and savings of approximately $1.32 per month for the typical residential customer using an average of 1,000 kWh per month,” Georgia Power said in a statement.