Georgia Power expands Income-Qualified Discount to assist thousands of additional customers

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power has expanded its 'Income-Qualified Senior Discount' to assist more customers with incomes. Approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in December 2023, the expanded program took effect on May 1, 2024. It aims to benefit tens of thousands more annually, with a $33.50 monthly discount for eligible participants. This includes seniors, those on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or HUD Section 8. The company also offers other income-qualified programs like Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE) and collaborates with community agencies for additional support. For full details, visit Georgia Power's website.

Positive

• Expansion of the discount program aims to assist tens of thousands more income- customers annually.
• Eligible participants can receive a monthly discount of $33.50.
• The program includes seniors, those on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or HUD Section 8.
• Collaborations with community agencies provide additional support to customers.

Negative

• None.

Program expansion approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission now available 

ATLANTA, June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has expanded a program previously known as the "Income-Qualified Senior Discount" to benefit many more customers who have limited incomes and financial resources. The program expansion follows approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in December 2023, and went into effect on May 1, 2024. Through the expanded program, the company expects to make the discount available to tens of thousands of additional customers each year.

The discount program is available to customers on a variety of rate plans, and customers meeting at least one of the below criteria may qualify for the expanded discount program:

• Be 65 years of age or older, with a household meeting the income qualification requirements (a combined household income that is 200% or less of the federal poverty level – $30,120 – adjusted for household size)
• Receive Social Security Disability Insurance
• Receive Supplemental Security Income
• Participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD Section 8)

Program participants may receive a discount of $33.50 on their bill each month. Full program details are available on Georgia Power's website.

"Georgia Power believes that everyone should have access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, we understand that energy costs are an important part of every family's budget, and we want to be there when our customers need us the most," said Latanza Adjei, senior vice president of Customer Experience for Georgia Power. "The expanded Income-Qualified Discount is just one example of how we work with the Georgia PSC to develop programs to meet the needs of our customers. We're committed to connecting customers – including senior citizens, those with one-time or ongoing special needs, and those with limited incomes – with the right programs and resources that can aid them in lowering and paying their bills."

In addition to the Income-Qualified Discount, Georgia Power offers various other income-qualified programs such as Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE), and partners with community action agencies across Georgia that offer services such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency assistance, home weatherization and more. The company's Energy Assistance team also regularly meets with customers across the state and hosted more than 230 local outreach events in 2023 to help connect customers with energy assistance resources available to them. 

For more information and additional resources and available options, including information about rate plans and energy efficiency tips, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgia-power-expands-income-qualified-discount-to-assist-thousands-of-additional-customers-302181829.html

SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

What is the expanded Georgia Power Income-Qualified Discount program?

The expanded program provides a $33.50 monthly discount to seniors and customers with incomes, including those on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or HUD Section 8.

When did the Georgia Power Income-Qualified Discount expansion take effect?

The expansion took effect on May 1, 2024, following approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission in December 2023.

Who is eligible for Georgia Power's Income-Qualified Discount?

Eligible participants include seniors aged 65 or older with a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level ($30,120), those on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, or HUD Section 8.

What other programs does Georgia Power offer for income-qualified customers?

Georgia Power offers the Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE) program and partners with community action agencies providing services like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

How much is the discount provided by the expanded Georgia Power Income-Qualified Discount program?

The program provides a monthly discount of $33.50 on the eligible participants' energy bills.