Georgia Power approved for 4.2 percent rate hike

ATLANTA - The Georgia Public Service Commission on Tuesday approved the first rate increase for Georgia Power since 1991, though the 4.2 percent boost was considerably less than the utility company had requested.

By a three-to-two vote, the commission approved a three-year, $194 million increase that will raise the average residential customer's bill by $3.10, according to Georgia Public Service Commission spokesman Bill Edge.

The company originally requested an annual revenue increase of more than $328 million, a 7 percent increase, before lowering its request to a 5.67 percent increase at $262 million.

There will be a three-year freeze on the new rate.

Included in the rate increase is a break for low-income senior citizens, who will receive an additional $3.50 discount at $14 - up from $10.50.

Edge said the new Georgia Power rate still ranks below the national average.