PSC Accountability Project FAQ

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is a group of five elected officials who regulate utilities like Georgia Power.

They decide:

• How much you pay on your power bill
• What kinds of energy get built (gas, solar, nuclear, etc.)
• How costs are shared between customers and large companies

If you pay an electric bill in Georgia, the PSC affects your monthly costs and the state's energy future.

Power bills are made up of several parts, not just "rates." Even when base rates are frozen, your bill can still go up because of:

• Fuel costs (the cost of gas and other fuels)
• Storm recovery costs
• Fees tied to building new power plants and infrastructure

Right now:

• Georgia Power has a base rate freeze through 2028
• But other charges can still increase your total bill

That's why some people are seeing higher bills even during the "rate freeze."

Data centers are large facilities storing and processing data for companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving their growth.

They:

• Use a very large amount of electricity
• Are growing quickly in Georgia
• Are driving demand for new power plants

The PSC has approved plans for nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy generation, much of it tied to this growth.

The PSC and Georgia Power say that:

• Data centers will pay for the infrastructure they require
• New rules are designed to prevent costs from shifting to residents

However, there are important limits to those protections.

What's not fully guaranteed:

• Who pays for fuel costs over time
• How costs are handled in future rate cases
• Whether storm-related costs tied to new infrastructure are shared

That means:

• Some costs may be covered by data centers upfront
• But other costs could still show up on residential and small business bills later

In December 2025, the PSC approved a plan to build about 10,000 megawatts of new energy generation, most of it natural gas.

This raises concerns because:

• Gas plants are expensive to build
• They require ongoing fuel purchases
• Fuel prices can go up and down
• Burning gas contributes to climate change
• Extreme weather — such as hurricanes and wildfires — can increase costs over time, including storm recovery charges on bills

The current rate freeze lasts until 2028.

But:

• The cost of new infrastructure doesn't disappear
• It is often recovered later in future rate cases

That means:

• Bills may stay more stable in the short term
• But could increase later to pay for long-term investments

Georgia Power is part of Southern Company, a publicly traded utility.

That means:

• The company collects revenue from Georgia customers
• Costs are approved by the PSC
• Profits are paid to shareholders, many of whom are large national investment firms

Utilities are allowed to earn a profit on infrastructure they build. So when new projects are approved:

• Customers pay for the costs over time
• Investors receive returns

Website: www.psc.state.ga.us
Address: 244 Washington St., SW, Atlanta, GA 30334-9052
Phone: 404-656-4501
Email: gapsc@psc.state.ga.us
Twitter / X: @GeorgiaPSC

Yes! The five members of the commission are determined by statewide election. First, be sure you are registered to vote. You can register online on the Georgia Secretary of State's website. Even if you believe you are registered, please take a moment to check your registration to be sure.

Register to Vote / Check Your Voter Registration here »

Second, be sure you know where to vote and when on election day. You can find out where to vote and see a sample ballot using our nonpartisan voter guide:

Find out where to vote / View your sample ballot here »

GCVEF is a nonpartisan organization focused on public education, civic engagement, and helping people understand how PSC decisions affect their lives.

We believe all Georgians should have clean air, clean water, healthy foods, and a world free from environmental harm. We envision a future where the people of Georgia are informed, empowered, and committed to effectively advocating for climate and environmental justice.

GCV Education Fund's mission is to organize and mobilize Georgians to advance climate and environmental justice through education, advocacy, and other forms of civic engagement.

We do not support or oppose candidates. Our goal is to:

• Provide clear, accurate information
• Help Georgians stay informed and engaged
• Ensure public voices are part of decisions about energy and affordability

The PSC makes decisions year-round, so staying informed is important. You can take action or sign up for the newsletter at www.gcvedfund.org/take-action.

By staying connected, you can:

• Follow PSC decisions and hearings
• Learn how changes affect your power bill
• Find opportunities to share your perspective during public comment periods