Georgia Power puts new agreement on the table for data center loads

(The Center Square) – A new stipulated agreement reached between Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission’s Public Interest Advocacy staff could lower electric bills while giving the utility the capacity it needs to power data centers, the utility said Wednesday.

The plan would take the burden off Georgia Power’s residential and business base by ensuring $556 million in annual revenue from large load customers when the company makes its next rate case in 2028, Georgia Power officials said in a release. The revenue would put downward pressure of at least $8.50 a month for the typical residential customer.

The Public Service Commission will vote on the plan on Dec. 19. A public hearing on Georgia Power’s proposal began Wednesday, before the agreement was announced. Some raised concerns about Georgia Power’s plan to use gas-powered plants to increase its load.

Commission staff said in documents<...