Georgia Power Customers Could See Lower Bills This Summer

Utility seeks to lower fuel charge but also recover $912 million in storm costs

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Georgia Power is proposing to lower its fuel charge for customers this summer, citing a decline in the cost of coal and natural gas. However, the utility is also seeking approval to collect nearly $912 million over the next four years to cover storm-related damage, primarily from Hurricane Helene. Despite the storm recovery request, Georgia Power says the reduction in fuel costs would outweigh the added charges, resulting in about a 1% drop in the average residential power bill.

Why it matters

This proposal reflects the ongoing balancing act utilities must manage between providing affordable electricity to customers and recovering the costs of maintaining and repairing infrastructure, especially in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The outcome could impact household budgets for Georgia Power's 2.6 million customers.

The details

Georgia Power is seeking to lower its fuel charge, which is a direct pass-through expense for customers that can fluctuate based on market prices for coal and natural gas. At the same time, the utility is requesting approval to collect nearly $912 million over the next four years to cover storm-related damage, the majority of which is tied to Hurricane Helene. Georgia Power says this recovery would help offset the costs of repairing and restoring infrastructure damaged during the storm.

  • Georgia Power filed the proposal in February 2026.
  • If approved, the changes would take effect this summer.

The players

Georgia Power

A major electric utility serving 2.6 million customers in Georgia.

Hurricane Helene

A powerful storm that caused significant damage to Georgia Power's infrastructure in 2025.

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What’s next

The Georgia Public Service Commission will need to approve Georgia Power's proposal for the changes to take effect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge utilities face in balancing the need to maintain and repair infrastructure with providing affordable electricity to customers, especially in the face of extreme weather events.