Georgia Power extends, expands customer assistance programs following Hurricane Helene

Rhea-AI Summary

Georgia Power has extended and expanded customer assistance programs following Hurricane Helene, the most destructive hurricane in its history. The company has suspended disconnections, waived late fees, and paused collection activities for residential and business customers through December 15, 2024. Georgia Power has restored power to over 1.5 million customers, representing 99% of those impacted by the storm.

The company offers various programs to help customers manage energy costs, including the Project SHARE program with the Salvation Army and the Income-Qualified Discount. Georgia Power encourages customers to use online tools like My Power Usage to track and manage energy use. The Southern Company system, including Georgia Power, has pledged $3 million to support recovery efforts.

Positive

• Extended customer assistance programs through December 15, 2024
• Restored power to 99% of impacted customers (over 1.5 million)
• $3 million pledged by Southern Company system for recovery efforts
• Offering various energy cost management programs for customers

Negative

• Extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene across Georgia
• Potential revenue impact due to suspended disconnections and waived late fees

Company continues suspension of disconnections, waives late fees and pauses collection activities for customers through December 15

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the devastation from Hurricane Helene became apparent in the days following the historic storm, Georgia Power moved quickly to suspend disconnections as emergency response efforts ramped up. The company announced today that it has further extended and expanded customer assistance programs with disconnections suspended, late fees waived, and overall collection activities paused for residential and business customers through at least December 15, 2024.

"Our commitment to customers goes beyond reconnecting power following a storm of this magnitude – we're focused on helping many of our neighbors as they essentially rebuild their lives and communities," said Latanza Adjei, senior vice president of Customer Experience for Georgia Power. "We encourage customers to continue paying their bills on their usual billing cycle and avoid falling behind. However, we recognize that times are challenging for many Georgians even without the impacts of Helene and we want to do all we can to support them. Every Customer Experience team member is dedicated to working with customers who may need assistance to help find a solution that works best for them."

Georgia Power's response to the most destructive hurricane in its history involved more than 20,000 personnel, including Georgia Power's full workforce as well as crews from dozens of other companies around the country. As of October 7, the company has safely restored power to more than 1.5 million customers, or 99% of all impacted customers, following the storm. Hurricane Helene spared virtually no part of the state and severely impacted areas such as Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and many other communities.

The Southern Company system, including Georgia Power, also continues to coordinate and contribute to restoration and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene. On October 4, multiple charitable foundations across the system pledged $3 million to support the recovery effort. Read more here.

Programs to Help Customers Manage Energy Costs, Obtain Assistance
Georgia Power partners with nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations to offer assistance programs to those in need year-round. Popular initiatives include the longstanding Project SHARE program with the Salvation Army, as well as the recently expanded Income-Qualified Discount, which may amount to $33.50 per month for qualified customers. Other programs include Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE), and continued partnerships 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. Georgia Power encourages customers to use online tools such as My Power Usage to track and manage energy use, and visit GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy to explore all of the tools and resources available from the company to help predict and lower their bill.

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).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FAQ

How long has Georgia Power extended its customer assistance programs following Hurricane Helene?

Georgia Power has extended its customer assistance programs through December 15, 2024, following Hurricane Helene.

What percentage of customers has Georgia Power restored power to after Hurricane Helene?

Georgia Power has restored power to 99% of impacted customers, which is over 1.5 million customers, following Hurricane Helene.

What financial support has Southern Company (SO) pledged for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts?

The Southern Company system, including Georgia Power (SO), has pledged $3 million to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

What customer assistance measures has Georgia Power implemented after Hurricane Helene?

Georgia Power has suspended disconnections, waived late fees, and paused collection activities for residential and business customers through December 15, 2024.