Why is my Georgia Power bill so high?
Many factors outside your control can contribute to higher-than-expected electricity costs, including rate changes, seasonal energy use, insulation quality, and inflation. Knowing what you can do, and understanding the common causes of high power bills can help you make adjustments to save money.
Our Operational Costs
Reliability and regulatory compliance for a growing Georgia
We continuously invest in Georgia's electric grid to meet increasing demand for energy across the state and to provide the reliable service our customers deserve. Completing the new nuclear units at Plant Vogtle to meet the growing demand for energy, paying more fuel to generate electricity, and ensuring we comply with new environmental regulations are all reasons that can contribute to increases in electricity rates.
Vogtle Units 3 & 4
Plant Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023, followed soon after by Vogtle Unit 4 on April 29, 2024. The month following Unit 4 achieving commercial operation, average retail rates were adjusted by approximately 5%. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month this translated to an estimated monthly increase of $8.95 per month. This follows the $5.42 (3.2%) rate impact after Unit 3 entered commercial operation.
Rate Case Change
We have a responsibility to plan, prepare, and make the investments that best serve our customers. Through the 2022 rate case, rates were set at a level that will enable us to continue making the essential investments to meet our customers’ evolving energy needs.
Fuel Case Change
Like gas prices at the pump, prices for the fuel we use to generate energy fluctuate throughout the year. Since our last fuel request in 2020, Georgia Power incurred an additional $2.1 billion in fuel costs for the benefit of customers. While we do not earn any profit from fuel costs, we do adjust rates to recover under-recovered and projected future fuel costs.
Your Energy Usage
Energy consumption and seasonal impacts
There is a combination of factors that go into your energy bill - mostly, how much energy you use, as well as the cost of electricity. Here are some things that may be causing an increase in your energy usage, which in turn is making your energy bill higher.
Login to My Power Usage in your online account to view your usage.
Weather Fluctuations
About half of our customer's energy usage comes from heating and cooling their homes. We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter.
A Full House
During times of higher occupancy and activity, such as holidays and school breaks, your energy usage can be higher than normal.
Peak Time Energy Usage
How does your usage match your plan's rate schedule?
If you have a rate plan with cheaper rates during off-peak hours, like the Nights & Weekends Plan, using more energy during peak hours could result in a higher monthly bill.
Want to know if you have the right plan? Visit our rate advisor.
Standby Energy
Did you know that your electronic devices can still consume energy even when they are turned off?
Devices like chargers, televisions, and computers continue to draw power when plugged in. This energy consumption can lead to higher energy usage. Disconnecting devices when they're not in use can stop the standby power drain and lower your energy usage.
Your Account
Understanding your rate and your bill cycle
Knowing what your rate plan is and if it meets the needs of your household and lifestyle could mean the difference between your rate plan working for or against you. Making sure you’re on the right rate plan for you can save you money on future energy bills. It’s also helpful to understand your billing cycle and what was on your previous bill.
Seasonal Rates
Some rate plans, like our Residential Plan, have scheduled seasonal pricing throughout the year. For example, summer pricing reflects higher costs of electricity production due to increased demand. In contrast, winter pricing is lower as the costs to produce energy decrease.
Longer Billing Cycle
Some billing cycles are longer than others, so your bill may be higher if there are more days than average in the billing cycle. Refer to the "Service Period" on your bill for the length of your billing cycle.
Unpaid Balance
Your bill may be higher if you are carrying a balance from a previous month or another related account within Georgia Power.
If you need assistance, please check out our available resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about why your bills might be higher.
What causes my bill to be increase in the winter?
Your energy usage may likely higher in the winter because you use your heating system more frequently and for longer periods to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, which consumes a significant amount of energy.
Why have your rates gone up so much, so fast?
We are committed to making the long-term investments that will help to build a clean, reliable energy future for the state of Georgia. Some investments, like Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4, ensure that our state has more options for always-on, carbon-free energy for the next 60-80 years. Other investments ensure that our grid is more reliable and resilient, like adding new battery energy storage systems, upgrading substations, and installing new power lines, poles, and smart devices that help minimize outages across our system.
Additionally, market increases to fuel costs and compliance with new environmental regulations have created higher operating costs that are reflected in our rates.
Is Georgia Power more expensive compared to other utilities?
Since 1990, Georgia Power customers have paid rates that are on average 15% below the national average rate.
We have a long history of keeping energy affordable, and we are committed to continuing this focus.
What are you doing to keep my rates down?
We work with the Georgia Public Service Commission to help ensure that our long-term planning decisions align with our commitment to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to every customer.
While our costs of doing business have increased, we help offset this by reducing operational expenses, managing storm cost recovery, and making smart financing decisions.
Why is my Georgia Power bill so high in the summer?
There are a combination of factors that influence the amount on your power bill – mostly how much energy you use and the cost of electricity. However, in the summer months (especially in the southeastern states), many people and businesses use more electricity to keep cool due to hot weather and high humidity.
Why do rates go up in the summer, just when I'm likely to use more energy?
It costs Georgia Power more to produce and deliver energy in the summer when demand is highest. As a result, the first 650 kWh used by customers each month cost slightly more during the hotter summer months than during the rest of the year.
I’ve heard you are making record profits? How is that fair when my bill is so high?
Under our state-regulated structure, what we are allowed to earn, our profit, is capped by the Georgia Public Service Commission. If we exceed this capped amount, funds are returned for the direct benefit of customers.
Little wins to help manage your energy better
Energy-saving tips, tools, and resources to help you manage your electric bill, reduce energy usage, and find energy assistance programs.