In Georgia Power’s filed testimony, however, the company attributed the rise in natural gas and coal prices to geopolitical unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain constraints and other factors. McDonald also tried to tie the increase to President Biden, claiming the administration’s policies are what sent fuel prices spiking. “Our staff has looked at this fuel case, everything is in order in this fuel case, and we have the responsibility of making the proper adjustment,” he added. McDonald said the commission does have the right to audit Georgia Power’s fuel costs and if it discovers discrepancies, it can challenge the company’s request. The PSC commissioners said there was little they could do to protect customers from the looming increase, claiming Georgia law requires that they pass fuel costs into monthly bills.ĭistrict 4 Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald offered hearing attendees a “civics lesson,” in which he had a PSC staff member read the relevant Georgia statute, which says the commission must adjust rates to allow the company to recover fuel costs. It should be a right - a civil right - and it needs to be affordable.” Commissioners claim their hands are tied Williams, a Georgia Power customer and organizer with Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund. “There’s no dispute about the rise in fuel costs - the dispute is about how you handle it,” said Sherry B.
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