Georgia Power’s planned expansion for data centers may boost monthly bills by $20 or more

Rising Costs and Expansion Plans

Analysts from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) have expressed concerns about Georgia Power’s proposal to expand its infrastructure to support the rapidly growing data center industry. The plan could result in an increase of $20 or more per month in electricity bills for average residential customers.

Background of the Proposal

Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, says the expansion is necessary to meet soaring electricity demand caused by a wave of large, energy-hungry data centers being built throughout the state. These facilities — often used by major tech companies for cloud storage and AI computing — consume massive amounts of power, forcing utilities to accelerate grid upgrades and capacity expansion.

Implications for Consumers

PSC analysts caution that the cost burden of this industrial growth may fall largely on regular households and small businesses. If approved, the company’s plan would raise rates through new construction and infrastructure investment fees rolled into customer bills. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups argue that Georgia Power is prioritizing corporate clients at the expense of ratepayers.

Company Position

Georgia Power maintains that the proposed plan will ensure stable energy reliability and attract more business investment to Georgia. A spokesperson stated that the expansion is designed to “prepare for future economic and population growth while maintaining a dependable energy supply.”

Public Hearings and Next Steps

The PSC will hold several public hearings before making a decision in early 2026. Regulators are expected to review cost estimates, customer impact studies, and the company’s projections for energy demand.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that customers are not overpaying for growth primarily driven by large commercial clients,” one PSC analyst noted during a hearing.

Summary Judgment

This potential rate hike highlights a larger debate over how Georgia manages the cost of technological and industrial expansion while protecting household consumers.

Author’s summary: Georgia Power’s data center-driven expansion plan faces scrutiny for shifting costs onto residents, potentially raising monthly bills as state regulators weigh fairness and growth priorities.

WSB Radio — 2025-11-25