Atlanta, Georgia, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Residents in Georgia are reacting with outrage as July brings unprecedented electricity bills, with some exceeding $1,200. A severe heatwave has led to increased energy consumption, leaving many households struggling to cope with rising utility costs. Georgia Power has acknowledged the situation and is providing tips and assistance for customers as they navigate these challenges.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Power customers are expressing outrage over record high electricity bills for July, coinciding with the hottest temperatures seen in the state since 2016. Many residents have reported significant increases in their bills, with some exceeding $500, a stark change from previous months.
In particular, Clayton County resident Khadijah Works received a staggering $1,223 bill for July, resulting in a total of over $1,500 due to a prior balance of $306. Works indicated that her energy usage increased too slightly, using over 5,000 kWh in July compared to around $500 in June. This situation has raised concerns for her and other residents about how to manage rising living costs alongside such unexpected utility demands.
The July heatwave has led to higher energy consumption as residents rely more heavily on air conditioning and cooling solutions. Georgia Power has stated that increased electricity usage is a common occurrence during extreme weather events, causing a spike in bills for many households. The company’s representatives suggest customers check their air filters regularly and utilize their online tool “My Power Usage” to estimate future bills and avoid surprises.
The month of July 2024 was officially recognized as one of Georgia’s hottest in 44 years, with average temperatures ranging 2-5 degrees above normal. This dramatic rise in temperature has not only affected the comfort of Georgia residents but also their financial stability, as some customers, including Audra Daniels who moved from Idaho, have seen bills climb to $450 for her household of six.
Other residents like Brenda Lankfert and Michael Reff reported bills nearing $800 compared to their former patterns. Across social media, numerous customers are voicing their frustrations, with many feeling the burden of strikingly high bills compounded by increased living expenses.
In conjunction with the concerns raised by residents, Georgia Power has acknowledged the impact of dramatic increases in energy bills. To aid customers, the company has published energy-saving tips and offers bill payment assistance programs. They stress the importance of monitoring energy consumption, particularly during peak usage hours when electricity rates tend to rise.
Despite the sharp increases in bills this summer, Georgia Power has highlighted that their energy rates have averaged 15% below the national average since 1990. The company is also working on rate adjustments and plans to present its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan to state regulators soon, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by its customers.
The current state of affairs represents a troubling trend for Georgia residents, grappling with unaffordable bills as they attempt to cope with record-breaking temperatures in their homes.
FAQs
What has caused the increase in Georgia Power electricity bills in July 2024?
The increase in electricity bills is attributed to a combination of record-high temperatures leading to heightened energy consumption, as residents use more air conditioning and cooling systems to cope with heat.
How much can residents expect their bills to increase?
Many residents have reported bill increases ranging from a few hundred dollars to amounts exceeding $1,200 for the month of July 2024, depending on their energy usage and previous balances.
What is Georgia Power doing to help customers manage these high bills?
Georgia Power is offering several support options, including energy-saving tips, bill payment assistance programs, and an online tool called “My Power Usage” to help customers track their energy consumption.
What temperature trends were observed in July 2024 for Georgia?
July 2024 was one of Georgia’s hottest months in 44 years, with average temperatures ranging 2-5 degrees above normal, significantly affecting energy consumption and billing.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Record High Bills | Over $1,200 for some customers, with many exceeding $500 |
| July Temperature | Hottest month in Georgia since 2016; averages 2-5 degrees above normal |
| Customer Reactions | Outrage and concern over rising costs |
| Georgia Power’s Response | Advising energy-saving measures and offering bill assistance programs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Power Customers Express Frustration Over High Bills
U.S. Inflation Hits Lowest Increase Since 2021
Georgia Power Customers to Avoid Rate Increase
IEC Atlanta Hosts Record-Breaking Power Show
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Customers Concerned Over High Georgia Power Bills in July
- AJC: Why Georgia Power Bills Are High This Summer
- WSBTV: Georgia Power Customers Report Surging Bills
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Duluth Resident Seeks Relief from Skyrocketing Bills
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
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.
