Environmentalists ask state PSC to pause Georgia Power’s plan to use more natural gas

A thick funnel emits steam into a blue sky at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, a four-unit nuclear power plant.

A funnel emits steam at Plant Vogtle, a nuclear power plant in Waynesboro, Georgia. The Georgia Public Service Commission held a certification hearing to discuss Georgia Power’s plan to build three methane gas and oil burning units. (Emily Jones/WABE)

Atlanta resident Jean Millkey told state regulators Wednesday she has come to grips with her belief that Georgia Power is probably not acting in the best interests of its customers who continue to see their electric bills rise.

She spoke to the Georgia Public Service Commission on Wednesday as the five-member panel held a certification hearing on Georgia Power’s plan to build three methane gas and oil burning units that company officials contend is urgently needed to meet the state’s rapidly growing industrial development demands.

Prior to the start of testimony from Georgia Power officials defending the push to quickly bring more fossil fuel-based energy sources online, Millkey expressed her concerns about how the utility company’s shareholders continue to profit at the expense of customers.