Georgia Power serves 2.7 million customers across the state, and with average residential bills around $140-$180 per month, falling behind can happen quickly. Unlike many northern states, Georgia lacks a formal winter moratorium — making it even more important to know your rights and options.
Georgia Power Payment Options
Standard Payment Arrangements
Georgia Power offers several options for customers struggling with bills:
- Installment plans: Spread past-due balances over 6-12 months
- Payment extensions: Get up to 10 extra days past your due date
- Budget billing (FlatBill): Pay the same amount monthly based on your average annual usage
- Prepaid service (Pay As You Go): No deposit, no disconnect fees, pay what you can when you can
Requesting a Payment Plan
- Call Georgia Power at 888-660-5890
- Use the automated system or wait for a representative
- Explain your situation and request an installment arrangement
- If the first offer is too high, ask for a supervisor or longer term
- Get confirmation in writing (email or letter)
Understanding Georgia's Disconnection Rules
No Formal Winter Moratorium
Georgia is one of several southern states without a mandated winter shutoff moratorium. However:
- Georgia Power voluntarily limits disconnections during extreme cold (below 32°F)
- Disconnections are paused during extreme heat events (above 100°F)
- You must receive written notice at least 5 days before disconnection
- Georgia Power cannot disconnect on weekends, holidays, or after 4 PM on weekdays
- Medical certificates provide protection if someone requires life-support equipment
Before Disconnection, Georgia Power Must:
- Send a past-due notice on your bill
- Send a separate disconnection notice (at least 5 days before)
- Attempt to contact you by phone the day before
- Post a door hanger on the day of disconnection if you're not home
Filing a Georgia PSC Complaint
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates Georgia Power and handles consumer complaints:
When to File
- Georgia Power refuses a reasonable payment plan
- You were disconnected without proper notice
- Billing errors aren't being resolved
- You're being charged incorrect rates or fees
- Reconnection is being unreasonably delayed
How to File
- Phone: Call PSC Consumer Affairs at 800-282-5813
- Online: Visit psc.ga.gov and use the consumer complaint form
- Email: gapsc@psc.ga.gov
- Mail: Georgia PSC, 244 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
What to Include
- Your Georgia Power account number
- Dates of relevant communications
- What you offered and what Georgia Power demanded
- Any evidence of hardship (job loss, medical bills, etc.)
- What resolution you're seeking
The PSC typically investigates within 10-15 business days and can order Georgia Power to offer payment arrangements.
Assistance Programs in Georgia
| Program | Benefit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| LIHEAP | Up to $350 for energy bills | Local Community Action Agency |
| Senior Citizen Discount | $14-18/month off bill | Georgia Power (65+ with income limits) |
| Project Share | Emergency grants | Georgia Power/Salvation Army |
| Good Cents Weatherization | Free efficiency upgrades | Georgia Power website |
| Salvation Army | Emergency utility payments | Local SA office |
| St. Vincent de Paul | One-time bill assistance | Local parish |
Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Georgia's LIHEAP program provides:
- Heating assistance (winter): up to $350
- Cooling assistance (summer): up to $300
- Crisis assistance: up to $500 for emergencies
- Weatherization referrals
Apply through your local Community Action Agency. Find yours at georgialiheap.org.
Step-by-Step: Preventing a Georgia Power Shutoff
- Don't wait — call as soon as you know you'll miss a payment
- Request an extension — even 10 days can help if you're expecting income
- Apply for LIHEAP — even if you think you won't qualify, try
- Ask about the senior discount — if you're 65+ or have elderly household members
- Request medical protection — get a doctor's certificate if applicable
- Negotiate a plan — start with offering what you can afford monthly
- File a PSC complaint — if Georgia Power refuses to work with you
- Contact 211 — Georgia's 211 helpline connects you with local emergency assistance
Tips for Reducing Your Georgia Power Bill
- Switch to off-peak usage (nights/weekends) if you're on a time-of-use plan
- Set AC to 78°F in summer — every degree lower adds 3-5% to your bill
- Request a home energy audit (free through Georgia Power)
- Check for the Weatherization Assistance Program
- Consider Prepaid (Pay As You Go) if you need flexibility without deposits
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Call Georgia Power at 888-660-5890 for payment arrangement
- [ ] Apply for senior discount if 65+
- [ ] Contact local Community Action Agency for LIHEAP
- [ ] Know your rights: 5-day written notice required before shutoff
- [ ] File PSC complaint at 800-282-5813 if needed
- [ ] Get medical certificate if household member needs electric equipment
- [ ] Check if extreme weather protections apply
Bottom Line
While Georgia lacks the strong winter moratorium found in northern states, you still have significant protections and options. The Georgia PSC is your strongest ally — they can and do intervene when Georgia Power is uncooperative. Combined with LIHEAP, senior discounts, and emergency assistance programs, most customers can find a path to keeping their power on.
Sources
- Georgia PSC Consumer Affairs: psc.ga.gov (800-282-5813)
- Georgia Power Customer Service: georgiapower.com (888-660-5890)
- Georgia LIHEAP: georgialiheap.org
- Georgia 211: dial 211 or visit 211online.unitedwayatlanta.org
