ATLANTA — Georgia Power’s electricity rates are set to increase during the summer, just as temperatures have begun to rise.
Electricity is more expensive to produce during the summer due to increased use across the state, according to a Georgia Power spokesman, so those costs are often relayed back to the customers. The Georgia Public Service Commission estimates a customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will pay about 20 percent more per month during the summer than in other months.
“Summer rates are higher than the rest of the year because it is the peak season and energy is a lot more expensive to produce,” says John Kraft, spokesman for Georgia Power.
The utility company advises keeping the thermostat set at 78 degrees and signing up for an alert service on its website that notifies customers when their use has hit excessive levels.
Kate Staelens says her air conditioner typically stays on through the summer at her DeKalb County home.
“I turn it on as late as possible and I turn it off as early as possible,” she says.
In Morningside, Bob Silva paid about $4,000 to have his house insulated with foam. He says it’s cut his electricity bill by 30 percent.
“[My air conditioner] is off right now and it’s 75 degrees in my house,” he says. “It’s been worth the money.”