Solar is the
for
Solution
Georgia’s Overcharged Utility Customers
A large number of Georgia’s residents have received an unpleasant surprise. Recent reports show that Georgia Power has overcharged customers by almost $1.9 billion.
Kevin Lucas, the Solar Energy Industry Association’s (SEIA) senior director of utility regulation, gave the following summary:
“Georgia Power Company has been over-collecting from Georgian’s electric bills by an average of $26 annually over the last 11 years. These excessive charges add up to $1.87 billion in additional revenue for the utility at the expense of all Georgia residents and businesses. If that wasn’t enough, GPC is now asking state regulators to approve more rate hikes and rate structure changes that will penalize solar customers and eliminate choices for ratepayers to control their bills.”
GP Wants to Hobble Net Metering, Too
The revenues from the overcharging were not enough to satisfy Georgia Power. GP argues that solar customers have pushed a cost shift onto nonsolar subscribers. The utility has been demanding a revision of residential net metering rates, claiming “losses” of $1.4 million due to uncollected fees. In addition, GP has asked for a rate increase that would add an average of $16.29 to customers’ monthly bills, and impose a $200 connection fee for solar households.
Representatives from the solar industry have been quick to call out the hypocrisy of these demands. Georgia Solar Energy Industries Association, Solar Industries Association, and Vote Solar have issued joint testimony against GP regarding the mass overcharge.
GP’s Greed is Creating Solar Leads
Georgians already pay more than the national average for electricity and have a high energy burden. The latter is especially true for those at the lower end of the income spectrum. In Atlanta, low income households have the 4th-highest energy burden in the nation. Given these circumstances, it’s clear that Georgia’s residents can’t afford GP’s attempts tosqueeze out more profits.
Residents have expressed serious frustration with the mounting charges that never seem to end. One customer, Christina of Guyton, left the following review with Consumer Affairs:
“We have had Georgia power for over ten years. Never a late payment. Our bills have been getting higher and higher each month despite us not using more power. They charge ridiculous fees that we never agreed to pay. Today my bill came in and I have the following charges added onto my bill: Environmental Compliance Cost 51.24. Nuclear Construction Cost Recovery 10.55. Municipal Franchise Fee 5.00. I am being charged these fees monthly and there is nothing I can do if I want to have power. It should be criminal to steal all this money from people! I have two disabled children at home and can't afford this nonsense, but no one can live without power. If we had any other choice, I would leave Georgia power in a second.”
Now that customers are aware of overpaying, their satisfaction with GP is reaching new lows. Energy independence is becoming a major priority for those who want more control over how much they spend on electricity. This is leading many to see solar as the solution.
Contractors can expect to see a surge in solar sales leads, especially given that GP’s net metering demands now don’t have a leg to stand on. Making the most of this swell in interest will require contractors to direct their efforts toward homeowners who have demonstrated a real intent to go solar.
Grid Freedom is a nationwide agency that helps contractors in Georgia and other states connect with qualified solar leads. Every prospect is put through a rigorous screening process to ensure that only those who are solar ready get passed along. Contractors get the security of avoiding dead-end deals, and homeowners enjoy a streamlined installation process.
Georgia’s Best Solar Sales Leads are Found at www.GridFreedom.com
