Atlanta, Georgia, August 13, 2025
News Summary
In Atlanta, Georgia, many Georgia Power customers are reporting significant increases in their electricity bills this July, coinciding with the hottest month since 2016. Cases include bills as high as $1,223 and $2,200 despite consistent energy use. The utility company attributes these hikes to soaring energy consumption amid extreme temperatures and is working with the Georgia Public Service Commission to stabilize rates. Residents express concerns over billing discrepancies and seek fair assessments moving forward.
Atlanta, Georgia – Many customers of Georgia Power are expressing their discontent this July due to soaring electricity bills. This month has been marked as the hottest in Georgia since 2016, leading to substantial increases in energy consumption. Residents are voicing frustration on social media, reporting spikes in bills, with some exceeding $500, and many feeling overwhelmed by the sudden escalation in power costs.
One notable case is that of Khadijah Works, who received a shocking $1,223 electricity bill for July. In total, her bill surpassed $1,500 because she had an outstanding balance of $306 from a previous month. Despite not significantly increasing her energy usage—having consumed just over 5,000 kWh in July compared to about 500 kWh in June—she expressed complete surprise at the sudden rise in her bills. Works recently left Georgia Power’s FlatBill payment program and is now questioning the fairness of the high charges for a single month.
Georgia Power acknowledged that the increase in bills is a reflection of higher energy consumption during extreme heat conditions. The utility company has urged customers to check their air filters and use available online tools, such as “My Power Usage,” to monitor their consumption and estimate potential bills. They also highlighted that July 2023 averaged 2-5 degrees above normal temperatures, becoming the third hottest July in 44 years.
In addition to Works, other Georgia Power customers are reporting significant hikes in their bills. Residents Brenda Lankfert and Michael Reff have reported increases exceeding $300 from the prior month, while Ricardo Dupervil from Gwinnett County reported monthly bills approaching $1,000. Dupervil’s total bill reached a staggering $2,200, despite consistent energy usage. This discrepancy has raised concerns as other tenants in similar units are receiving bills ranging from $150 to $200, suggesting an ongoing issue linked to Dupervil’s apartment.
Georgia Power, which has maintained rates on average 15% below the national average since 1990, is working in cooperation with the Georgia Public Service Commission to freeze base rates for the next three years. This initiative aims to provide more predictability for its customers during extreme demand periods. The company also emphasized the importance of energy-saving measures and assistance programs available for those experiencing high bills.
The ongoing discussion and inquiries into the reasons behind these vast discrepancies in billing reflect a broader concern about energy costs tied to extreme weather conditions. With July being historical for high temperatures, residents hope to see fair assessments of power costs moving forward, especially as many are struggling to manage unexpected spikes in their electricity expenditures.
FAQ
What caused the increase in Georgia Power bills for July 2023?
The increase is attributed to significantly higher energy consumption during July, which has been reported as the hottest month in Georgia since 2016, with temperatures averaging 2-5 degrees above normal.
What can customers do to manage their bills?
Georgia Power advises customers to check air filters and use tools such as “My Power Usage” to monitor their energy consumption. Additionally, they provide resources for bill payment assistance during high-demand seasons.
How is Georgia Power addressing customer concerns about high bills?
Georgia Power has committed to freezing base rates for the next three years and is working with the Georgia Public Service Commission to ensure predictability for customers. The company also acknowledges the impact of extreme weather on energy costs.
What options are available for customers who believe their bills are incorrect?
Customers who suspect discrepancies in their bills may want to maintain an open dialogue with Georgia Power and consider consulting with an attorney if the issues persist, as seen in the case of residents like Ricardo Dupervil.
Key Features of Increased Electricity Bills
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hottest Month | July 2023 marked the hottest month in Georgia since 2016, with average temperatures 2-5 degrees above normal. |
| Customer Bills | Many customers report bills exceeding $500, with some individuals experiencing bills as high as $1,500. |
| Georgia Power Response | The company is ensuring rates are frozen for three years and working on measures to assist customers with high energy costs. |
| Energy Consumption | Increased energy usage during extreme temperatures is stressing customer budgets, as evidenced by testimonials from residents. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Electricity Billing
- AJC
- Google Search: Georgia Power bills increase July 2023
- WSB TV
- Google Scholar: Georgia Power high bills
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity costs
- Georgia Recorder
- Google News: Georgia Power Bills
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
