Kemp praises Georgia Power rate freeze while customers say it’s not enough

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp applauded a deal Wednesday between the state’s Public Service Commission and utility provider Georgia Power that will freeze base energy rates for millions of customers.

The move came as somewhat of a surprise as the two entities debated this year’s energy rates. Another hike was widely expected, as Georgia Power looked to recoup the cost associated with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene after it ripped through parts of Georgia last year. Instead, commissioners tabled discussions on recouperation of an estimated $870 million in storm damages until 2026.

The freeze they proposed, announced Monday, will put a pause on the amount Georgians pay per kilowatt of energy.

Kemp said given historic inflation, it was good news.

“This rate freeze will help Georgia families in a time when they need it most,” he said. “While other states are raising their rates to make ends meet, we are freezing ours because of smart choices.”

Kemp said the state was in the impressive position to freeze rates even as they launch new economic development projects that use eye-popping amounts of energy, like data centers. Kemp said it was the presence of those very investments that allowed for the rate freeze.

“Our rates are stable, even in the midst of unprecedented growth,” Kemp said. “It is a huge talking point for us as we compete with states like Texas and Tennessee and our neighbors in South Carolina, Alabama and so on. That’s why this decision is so important for our business environment.”

“I think folks are recognizing that we’ve struck a good balance with regards to how we’re dealing with this growth,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw. “That’s why we have the capacity and we’re in the position, the unique position, to take advantage of this. And that’s one of the reasons why these companies are coming to Georgia, and we’re proud of that.”

The freeze follows years of rate hikes by the PSC and Georgia Power, leaving some customers wondering if a long-delayed election for seats on the PSC had any impact on the timing of the announcement.

“We’re not basing our calendars around here on what political election is coming up,” said Kemp, pushing back against the suggestion that the rate freeze was tied to the election. “We’re sharing good news when we got it.”

Shaw also noted this was around the time when the PSC would be negotiating rates anyway.

During Wednesday’s press conference, some Georgia Power customers demonstrated outside the Capitol, saying the freeze wasn’t enough. There are still thousands, they said, who won’t be able to afford their energy bills as it is.

“Why don’t you reduce the rate?” asked Mark Spivey, a volunteer with the group People’s Power Union. “Try that and maybe somebody will be happy.”

Spivey said over the last year, he’s drastically reduced his energy usage and even insolated his attic under a rebate program offered by Georgia Power. Even still, Spivey said his rate increased by 49% in 2025.

“They’ve been rubber stamping this for many, many years and that’s why we’re out here, to have a voice, because they’ve ignored the public,” he said. “Let’s not talk about senior citizens, let’s not talk about people that are low-income and in a poverty setting. They can’t afford to pay these bills.”

The PSC will host a hearing on the rate freeze to hear from stakeholders on June 26, with a final vote by the commission planned for July 1.

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