Friday, December 19, 2025–3:35 p.m.
-Georgia Public Service Commission-
The Georgia Public Service Commission on Friday voted unanimously (5-0) to approve a stipulated agreement that will allow Georgia Power to produce 9,885 megawatts of new energy.
Most of this new energy will serve new large customers such as data centers. Adhering to the Commissioners’ dedication to protect existing ratepayers from the costs of providing energy to new data centers, the stipulated agreement ensures that serving those new customers will not raise the rates for current Georgia Power customers.
The PSC does not approve data center construction, location, or operation. Instead, its jurisdiction pertains to the regulation of Georgia Power as the utility supplies energy to new and existing customers. The approved agreement protects existing ratepayers from increased rates even if the data center projections do not come to fruition.
You can read the agreement here.
Georgia Power has agreed to financially backstop new projects in the years 2029, 2030, and 2031. This is beyond the existing rate freeze that is in place through the end of 2028. Therefore, if Georgia Power does not sign contracts with new data centers, the Public Service Commission has ample time to alter or reverse certification of these new infrastructure projects.
“After reviewing all the written evidence, sworn testimony, and public comments, I am confident this is a good deal for Georgians,” said PSC Chairman Jason Shaw. “We share the public’s concerns about costs to provide energy to new large-load customers, including data centers. This agreement ensures data centers – or, if necessary, Georgia Power itself – will pay for this new infrastructure. Existing customers will not.”
On July 30, Georgia Power filed for PSC certification of 9,885 MW of new power production. In filed testimony, the PSC’s Public Interest Advocacy Staff expressed concerns that data centers and Georgia Power had not signed contracts for all of the data centers expected to be served by the 9,885 MW. Should the need for additional power not materialize, staff were concerned that the newly constructed facilities could become stranded assets. After much negotiation, Georgia Power and staff came to an agreement where all 9,885 MW would be approved, but Georgia Power would financially backstop the expected new power load, preventing the possibility of stranded assets. This backstop also creates $8.50 per month of downward pressure on the average household using 1,000 kWh of electricity.
“I encourage all interested Georgians to visit psc.ga.gov and see the top of this website home page for details on official rules passed by Georgia Public Service Commissioners to protect Georgia Power customers from rate increases,” said PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore.
“Our vote today resolved our power needs until 2031,” said Commissioner Tim Echols. “Post 2031, Data Centers and their Artificial Intelligence may need to take the financial risk for building out America’s nuclear future. Their investment in this technology will pay the learning curve, allowing all of our states to build SMRs at a much lower price in the future.”
The period for parties of record to apply for rehearing or reconsideration is within ten days from the effective date of the order. The effective date of the order is the date when the order is signed by the Chairman.
Commissioners will not be available for interviews until after the period for rehearing or reconsideration has expired. For more information on the Commission, see the PSC website at psc.ga.gov.
Comments