Georgia Power requests another rate increase

The Georgia Power headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. (Wikimedia Commons)

Georgia Power has a rate hike request before the state’s Public Service Commission, which could result in an average increase of $16 to customers’ bills.

The increase stems from the company having to pay higher fuel prices, costs which it is permitted to pass along to consumers.

WABE environmental reporter Emily Jones has been following the hearings and joined All Things Considered to explain the proceedings.

She says critics have called on the commission to reign in the rate increases, but the company is allowed by law to recoup its expenses.

A decision from the PSC is expected in the coming weeks, and any change would go into effect in June.

Christopher Alston contributed to this report.