December 21, 2010

Today, the Public Service Commission voted to allow Georgia Power a cumulative rate increase of $2.1 billion over the next three years, an amount that will raise monthly electric bills for the average residential ratepayer by more than $10 per month in 2011, and increase incrementally to over $15 per month by 2013.

The 4-1 decision permits a first year increase of $562 million, a second year increase of $752 million, and a third year increase of $844 million. By 2013, annual electric bills will go up by more than $175.

“Commissioners turned a deaf ear to Georgians who overwhelmingly said now is not the time for a rate increase,” said Georgia Watch executive director Angela Speir Phelps, a former public service commissioner herself. “This decision reflects a real disconnect between Commissioners and the financial reality businesses and families are facing in this economy.” Read more

December 14, 2010

Spurred by poor health indicators that show a need for Georgia to re-evaluate its public health priorities, the Public Health Commission recently concluded that an independent Department of Public Health should be formed, and its primary charge would be overseeing the health of all Georgians. The commission, a nine-member panel of industry professionals, was convened through an act of legislation passed in 2009, and its recommendations were presented through a report to the governor, lieutenant governor and state General Assembly. Read more

December 7, 2010

Prompted by a proposed settlement on Georgia Power’s massive rate request, Georgia Watch, AARP and other parties to the case are proposing modifications which, if adopted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) would cut in half the potential impact on ratepayers, while lowering the utility’s allowed profit margin to industry averages. Read more