• The agreement lets Georgia Power charge customers later for storm damage — without public hearings.
• Georgia Power has increased its customer rates three times in the last six years.
• Watch the video to hear from neighbors about the impact storm damage hikes does to their income.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

Georgia Power says it won’t raise your base rates for three years, but a proposed deal with state regulators could still mean higher bills.

Under a proposed agreement announced Monday, Georgia Power would skip its usual rate case this summer — and lock in base rates through 2027.

Spokesman Jacob Hawkins says the company is working to “balance the affordability needs of our customers while ensuring Georgia Power remains equipped to continue its support of our state’s incredible growth.”

But consumer advocates like the Southern Environmental Group warn that the deal lets Georgia Power charge customers later for storm damage — with no public hearing.

That’s a big concern in Valdosta, where nearly a third of families live in poverty and where some customers saw bills double after Helene.

“It’s been going up a lot like during the hurricane. You know you still have a balance because you have to pay for the service for having the service, so it makes it go up.”

Pamela Frazier’s monthly charges jumped from under $60 to over $130 — despite little change in her usage. She relies on Georgia Power’s prepaid app to keep afloat, but rising rates won’t help her catch up.

“For myself, paying has been a job — especially without having a job,” said Frazier. “So it’s been kind of hard. But when you got help, it’s OK. It’s a little help.”

Georgia Power has increased its customer rates three times in the last six years.

The Public Service Commission has until July 1 to approve or reject the deal.

In Valdosta, I’m Malia Thomas, reporting for ABC27.

Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.

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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Law enforcement served up safety this Memorial Day weekend, from the waters to the roads.

“Safety first, we try to be as safe as possible,” said Shafer Harrington, who visited Lake Allatoona over the Memorial Day weekend.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety said they have seen a “noticeable increase” in driving under the influence (DUI) arrests and distracted driving violations. The department counted 11 car travel related deaths as of Monday evening, including the three young rising adults with ties to Metro Atlanta and who went to Stillman College in Alabama.

Officials said the single-car fatal crash happened Saturday on I-75 Southbound in Clayton County near the exit ramp for Tara Boulevard.

3 from Alabama college with ties to metro Atlanta killed in crash

Officials said their preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle veered out of its lane and went into a nearby ditch. Shortly after the crash, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, said officials.

Officials said the occupants of the vehicle were unable to escape and died at the scene.

At Lake Allatoona, the Department of Natural Resources arrested a man for boating under the influence, or BUI. The DNR says the man returned to Harbor Town Marina following strong thunderstorms, struck the dock and another vessel.

According to the DNR, The officers interviewed the man and determined that he was under the influence. The DNR said officers arrested the man for BUI and transported him to the Cherokee County Jail.

“It can be frightening, it can be frightening,” said Eric Coleman, who has been coming to Allatoona for the past two decades.

“A lot of them don’t know the seriousness of handling the boat and drinking,” added Coleman.

Coleman said he has been coming to Allatoona to teach the community about water safety, especially during holidays and high occupancy at the lake.

Coleman said he has a boating group with friends, called Over The Top Motor Sports, who have water vessels to allow people to use one of the many jet skis or boats.

Coleman said they have one very important rule for people using the water equipment, “they know that when they start drinking they are done with the water, they are not on the water at all anymore,” said Coleman.

The DNR said they have had four BUI arrest so far this year, at Lake Allatoona. That statistic is not sitting well for some lake goers.

“It sucks, it sucks honestly. They are drunk and doing thing when they shouldn’t be doing it, I wish it gets better,” said Hailly Alameida, who visited Lake Allatoona for the holiday weekend.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.

The Atlanta Fringe Festival returns for its 13^th year with two weeks of weird, hilarious, and uncensored performances across 10 different local venues.

This year’s festival features a whopping 361 performances from May 28 to June 8. The lineup includes 31 Georgia-based performers, who previewed their acts on May 20 at the Supermarket. The shows span subject matter and medium, from magic and clownery to puppetry and storytelling.

Along with theater, live music, comedy, and more, the Atlanta Fringe Festival also includes several free offerings: Atlanta Fringe Audio, a podcast featuring 21 different shows; Atlanta Kids Fringe, family-friendly live performances, crafts, games, and more at the East Atlanta Kids Club; and Atlanta Street Fringe, busking and street performances throughout Little Five Points and East Atlanta Village.

Joining the 31 locals are 33 touring acts. Touring performers will preview their acts at 7Stages Mainstage on May 28 at 7 p.m. Multi-ticket pass holders can attend for free; others can purchase their sliding-scale tickets here.

Georgia-based Performances at the 2025 Atlanta Fringe Festival

Theater and Storytelling

Teapot: Limelight Mainstage

Flay’s Anatomy: The Invitation: 7Stages Backstage

The Emo Show: Monks Meadery

Alum-inated!: Metropolitan Studios

Fly Trap: Metropolitan Studios

The Final Haunting of Edgar A. Poe: 7Stages Backstage

Maggie’s Convent: Limelight Mainstage

36 Views: Supermarket Black Box

Sad ‘50s Robot: Monks Meadery

E-Race-D: 7Stages Mainstage

Someone Else’s Child: Supermarket Event Stage

Based on a Drew Story: Limelight Black Box

Witch Cake: 7Stages Backstage

TRAPPED: Limelight Black Box  

Last One Out: Dynamic El Dorado

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• In Dianne Reeves’ shoes at the Atlanta Jazz Festival

Improv and Comedy

Don Toberman: Pingpong Champ: Dynamic El Dorado

Ladies Night Comedy: Supermarket Blue Venue

Shrink: Supermarket Blue Venue

One Morning in the Office: Monks Meadery

David and Mark Present!: Supermarket Event Stage

High Deductible Improv: Supermarket Black Box

Matt and Lily Tell Some Jokes: Monks Meadery

Music and Musicals

Parkinson’s: The Musical: Dynamic El Dorado

Verity High: Canceled: The Supermarket Event Stage

Movers and Musicians: Dynamic El Dorado

An Evening with Jimmy John Misty: Monks Meadery

Puppetry

The Puppet Pants Encounter: Supermarket Blue Venue

Wildly Beloved: Tales from the Rainbow Bridge: Supermarket Black Box

Edgewood Avenue: 7Stages Mainstage

Magic and Mentalism

MAGICIAN: 7Stages Mainstage

Dreality: 7Stages Backstage

Artists receive 100 percent of their box office sales. Tickets are available for single shows or in multi-show passes that can be shared among friends. View the full schedule at atlantafringe.org.