The main electricity utility in Georgia, Georgia Power, is accused of overcharging customers by more than $1.87 billion over the last 11 years, according to testimony by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The analysis by SEIA shows that the overcharging peaked during the pandemic, in 2020 and 2021, which led to more than $500 in additional revenue.
The testimony comes as a result of the power company proposing a significant rate hike, as well as a connection fee for customers who install rooftop solar. Georgia Power claims the fee is necessary so that more cost is not shifted onto non-solar customers. But SEIA analysis shows this claim is unsubstantiated.
“When utilities feel threatened by customers choosing solar and exercising their energy freedom, all ratepayers get squeezed,” said Kevin Lucas, SEIA’s senior director of utility regulation and policy and lead author of the joint testimony, in a release.
SEIA’s analysis and testimony attempts to show how the proposed rate changes are intended to confuse customers with demand charges that are difficult to understand and difficult for customers to manage. The analysis shows that nearly all customers would have saved money on a different rate structure.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
