ATLANTA – Georgia Power wants to add more energy to the grid — but analysts with the state agency that regulates utility rates say that could mean higher monthly bills for customers.

What we know:

Right now, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is considering Georgia Power’s request to add 10 gigawatts of energy capacity. The company says the expansion is needed to keep up with rising demand, particularly from data centers that could move into the state.

What they’re saying:

Public advocates warn that all that extra power could come at a cost to customers who are already paying more than they used to.

Giselle Graciano, who moved from Kansas to metro Atlanta earlier this year, said her monthly utility bills have been much higher than expected.

“Average bill, so far, has been around $90 to $110,” Graciano said. “Compared to where I came from, yeah — that’s a lot of money.”

In recent testimony, public-interest advocacy staff with the PSC said Georgia Power’s proposal could raise monthly bills by about $20.

“Definitely, a bit of a strain in terms of budgeting, especially in current economic conditions,” Graciano said.

Georgia Power has already raised prices six times since 2022, though the PSC approved a rate freeze through 2028. Consumer advocates worry customer bills could rise again once that freeze ends.

“I think it’s a travesty,” said Kimberly Scott, Executive Director of the advocacy group Georgia WAND. “We could see an increase in our rates come 2028, 2029.”

Public-interest advocates are urging the PSC to approve only about one-third of what Georgia Power requested, arguing it’s unclear if the potential data center contracts will actually materialize.

“The approach seems to be, if you build it, they will come. But what if they don’t?” said Bob Sherrier, Staff Attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.

The other side:

In a statement, Georgia Power spokesperson Matthew Kent said the company disagrees with staff testimony calling its demand projections speculative.

“We continue to work with the Georgia PSC to ensure that we have the reliable energy Georgia needs as our state grows while maintaining affordability for all customers,” Kent said. “It is due to these large-load commitments that Georgia Power was able to freeze base rates for the next three years.”

What’s next:

The Public Service Commission will hold hearings on Dec. 10 and Dec. 12 and is expected to vote on Dec. 19, just before newly elected commissioners are sworn in.

No. 4 Georgia football (10-1) travels to No. 19 Georgia Tech (9-2) on Friday, Nov. 28, at 3:30 p.m.

It’s the final regular season game of the year for the Bulldogs.

For the fans staying in the Classic City to watch the Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic at a local dive bar, the game will be broadcast on ABC.

However, for the fans that are planning to travel the roughly two-hour drive (with Thanksgiving and Black Friday traffic on top of normal metro area traffic, definitely expect delays) across SR-316 W to I-85 and Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, here’s how much tickets cost and where to buy them.

Buy Georgia football tickets

Georgia football tickets vs. Georgia Tech

Ticket prices for the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech game at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Friday, Nov. 28, at 3:30 p.m. start at $196 on StubHub, $148 on Ticketmaster, and $234 on VividSeats.

To see a full list of ticket prices, visit StubHub.

Buy Georgia football tickets

Georgia football schedule

Here is the entire 2025 Georgia football schedule.

• Game 1: Georgia 45, Marshall 7
• Game 2: Georgia 28, Austin Peay 6
• Game 3: Georgia 44, Tennessee 41 (OT)
• Game 4: Alabama 24, Georgia 21
• Game 5: Georgia 35, Kentucky 14
• Game 6: Georgia 20, Auburn 10
• Game 7: Georgia 43, Ole Miss 35
• Game 8: Georgia 24, Florida 20
• Game 9: Georgia 41, Mississippi State 21
• Game 10: Georgia 35, Texas 10
• Game 11: Georgia 35, Charlotte 3
• Game 12: Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)