Georgia Power provides tips for cold temperatures, winter weather this week

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Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), has announced preparedness measures for expected winter weather conditions and provided energy-saving tips for customers. The company, serving 2.7 million customers across Georgia, emphasizes that heating can account for 50% of typical winter energy usage.

Key recommendations include: optimizing heating through regular filter changes, ensuring proper insulation (which can save up to 10% on energy usage), setting thermostats to 68 degrees or lower (each degree reduction can result in 3-4% energy savings), and utilizing natural heat through window management.

The company has implemented multiple communication channels for customers during severe weather, including Outage Alerts via text message, an Outage & Storm Center website, an interactive Outage Map, and a mobile app. Georgia Power maintains a diverse generation mix including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables to serve its customers across 155 Georgia counties.

Positive

• Extensive customer coverage across 155 Georgia counties with 2.7 million customers
• Diverse energy generation portfolio including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables
• Multiple digital platforms for customer communication during outages

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• None.

Company prepared to respond to expected wintery mix including freezing rain or snow

ATLANTA, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Georgia experiences frigid temperatures and the potential for severe winter weather later this week, Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare and stay safe and warm. Whether exploring new ways to save energy or preparing for severe weather and potential power outages, resources available on GeorgiaPower.com and the company's social media channels include useful tips for weathering the storm.

Tips to help minimize the impact of cold, winter weather on your power bill include:

• Optimize heating – Remember, heating can account for 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage. Enhance the efficiency of your heating unit by changing filters monthly, or every three months for pleated filters. Make sure heating vents and return air registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.
• Check your insulation – Keep heat where it belongs by ensuring proper insulation in attics and walls. Replace any cracked or peeling caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to save up to 10 percent on energy usage and reduce cold air infiltration into your home.
• Adjust your thermostat – Set your manual thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Each degree lower can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy consumption. Or take advantage of programmable thermostat features if available to save energy throughout the day.
• Utilize natural heat – Open blinds and shades on sunny days to naturally warm your home at no cost. Close them at night to minimize the chill from cold windows.

Georgia Power is committed to helping customers save money on their energy bills, explore rate options and get assistance when needed. Find dozens of other energy resources, whether you own a home or rent at www.GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy.

Prepared to Respond 

Georgia Power is monitoring the potential for severe winter weather and forecasts as they change this week, including freezing rain, ice and snow in some parts of the state. Crews are prepared to safely and quickly respond to the latest severe weather threat. 

Staying informed is essential during severe weather, and Georgia Power offers multiple ways for customers to stay connected, including:

• Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.
• Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.
• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.
• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.
• @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

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 much can customers save on energy bills by lowering their thermostat according to Georgia Power (SO)?

According to Georgia Power, each degree lower on the thermostat can result in a 3-4% decrease in energy consumption.

What percentage of winter energy usage comes from heating according to Georgia Power (SO)?

According to Georgia Power, heating can account for 50 percent of a home's typical winter energy usage.

How much energy can proper insulation save according to Georgia Power (SO)?

According to Georgia Power, proper insulation and weatherstripping around doors and windows can save up to 10 percent on energy usage.

What is the recommended thermostat setting by Georgia Power (SO) for winter energy savings?

Georgia Power recommends setting manual thermostats to 68 degrees or lower for optimal energy savings during winter.

How many customers does Georgia Power (SO) serve in 2025?

Georgia Power serves 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.