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Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) staff have reached a proposed deal to significantly lower customer energy bills. This agreement, which still requires PSC approval, is expected to reduce monthly bills by $4.03 for typical customers by removing $13 million in fuel costs and over $100 million from a storm cost request. The deal also includes an investigation into how large customers, such as data centers, are charged for fuel to ensure ordinary customers are not unfairly burdened.

Consumer and environmental advocates are raising concerns about Georgia Power's proposed fuel cost recovery plan, arguing that it could lead to residential and small business customers subsidizing the high energy demands of new data centers. While Georgia Power plans to lower overall customer bills, critics worry certain fuel-related costs, particularly for new natural gas infrastructure driven by data center growth, are unfairly distributed. Advocates are pushing for investigations into large commercial customer rates, changes to how fuel costs are covered, and increased transparency.

Georgia Power has started constructing a 260 MW battery energy storage system in Jefferson County, Georgia, near the city of Wadley. This project, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, will enhance grid reliability and integrate renewable energy by storing solar power for peak demand. Expected to be completed in 2027, the system will support Georgia's growing power needs and clean energy future.

Georgia Power is launching a new program called the Customer-Identified Resource program, allowing customers to propose and fund their own clean energy projects within the state. This initiative aims to help companies with emissions-reduction targets meet their goals and could accelerate clean energy development, potentially reducing the need for natural gas. The program received bipartisan support and is expected to open by summer, offering a new mechanism for Georgia Power customers to integrate renewable energy into the grid.

Georgia Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw is defending a December decision to expand Georgia Power's grid by nearly 10,000 megawatts, primarily for data centers, despite public criticism and concerns about potential rate hikes for everyday consumers. Shaw states this expansion is critical for Georgia's economic growth and artificial intelligence sector, with safeguards in place to ensure data centers cover their energy costs and revenue from large customers helping stabilize residential rates. While acknowledging risks and the reliance on natural gas, Shaw asserts that the PSC actively monitors demand and has mechanisms to adjust plans if conditions change.

Georgia Power has filed requests with state regulators to adjust billing rates, aiming to recover storm damage repair costs and address fuel price changes. Despite nearly $800 million in storm-related expenses from Hurricane Helene, the company claims favorable fuel costs will allow for a 1% rate decrease for average retail customers, saving residential customers approximately $1.32 per month. This move seeks to protect customers from future fuel price volatility.

Environmental groups are challenging Georgia Power's approved plan to expand its energy grid by 10 gigawatts, intended to meet the rising demand from data centers. Critics, like the Southern Environmental Law Center, argue that the $15.6 billion expansion is excessive and could burden consumers with costs if data centers don't materialize as expected. The Public Service Commission, which approved the expansion, maintains the decision was necessary and has safeguards in place to protect customers, stating that residential and small business customers will not bear higher bills due to data center energy needs.

Environmental groups are urging the Georgia Public Service Commission to reconsider its December approval of Georgia Power's energy expansion plan. They argue the expansion, primarily driven by anticipated data center demand and heavily reliant on natural gas, is excessive even by the utility's own predictions and could unfairly burden ordinary customers while contributing to climate change. The petition for reconsideration was added to the commission's agenda for the following week, with new commissioners advocating for due consideration of the request.

Oglethorpe Power has selected Kiewit subsidiary The Industrial Co. (TIC) as the EPC contractor for a new 1.4-GW combined-cycle natural gas power plant in Monroe County, Georgia. The plant, estimated to cost between $2 billion and $3 billion, will utilize GE Vernova 7HA.03 advanced-class gas turbines capable of operating with a blended hydrogen-natural gas fuel and will feature air-cooled condensers to reduce water use. Commercial operation is targeted for 2029, with the project designed to meet increasing electricity demand and strengthen regional energy resources.

Audrey King, senior vice president of corporate responsibility for Georgia Power and president and CEO of The Georgia Power Foundation, will deliver the 2026 Holmes-Hunter Lecture at the University of Georgia Chapel. The annual lecture, honoring UGA's first Black students, Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton Holmes Sr., recognizes King's extensive career and leadership in corporate responsibility and community engagement across Georgia.