ATLANTA, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to have unprecedented
impacts on the state, Georgia Power's suspension of disconnections
is being extended following a vote by the Georgia Public Service
Commission (PSC). The company originally announced it would suspend
disconnects in mid-March for at least 30 days to assist customers
through this challenging time. Today's vote extends the decision
beyond the original timeframe, assuring customers that the
suspension of disconnects will remain in place as the pandemic
continues to impact customers in the state.
"We recognize the extraordinary burden the COVID-19 pandemic has
put upon our state and our customers," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of
Georgia Power. "We commend the Commissioners for their vote to
extend the disconnect suspension and allow for special customer
payment provisions. It is going to take all of us continuing to
think about how we can support each other to see our communities
through this uncertain time."
In addition to today's measure, Georgia Power expects the PSC
will vote next month on the company's request to lower its Fuel
Cost Recovery allowance, which would lower monthly bills by
approximately $5 for the typical
residential customer using 1,000 kwh per month, if approved. The
lower rate would go into effect in June
2020.
As part of their action, the PSC is also joining Georgia Power
in encouraging all customers to continue making payments to avoid
large balance due amounts when the suspension ends. The company
will also look to implement special payment plans to help customers
catch up on past-due amounts once disconnections are
reinstated based on the direction from the Commission.
Online Bill Payment Options
With Governor Kemp's
recent shelter in place order, the company reminds customers of
online bill payment options. Customers can pay their bill online on
GeorgiaPower.com with a credit or debit card or with a
checking or savings account. The company has eliminated fees
associated with credit and debit card payments. Customers can also
pay via the Georgia Power Mobile App, which can be downloaded for
free from both the App Store (Apple) and Google Play Store
(Android).
Rate Plan Options
Georgia Power is also increasing its
emphasis on rate plan offerings such as FlatBill and PrePay.
FlatBill offers a fixed monthly bill regardless of a customer's
usage during the period. That means no rising bills during summer's
heat or winter's cold – just one flat amount. PrePay puts customers
in control of when they pay for their electricity and allows them
to pay as they go with a PrePay account. As customers use
electricity, their balance is reduced. This flexibility allows
customers to better manage their budget and energy usage with no
deposit requirement, no credit check and no reconnect fees. Smart
Usage, Nights & Weekends and other options also help customers
find a plan that fits their budget and lifestyle. Learn more at
www.GeorgiaPower.com/RatePlans.
Tips, Tools & Resources
Georgia Power encourages
its customers to use online tools to help manage their energy such
as the My Power Usage program, a free service connected
to many Georgia Power online accounts that allows customers to
track their daily energy use, project their monthly bill, and set
daily or monthly usage alerts.
Customers can take advantage of the company's free Online
Energy Checkup. The 15-minute quick and easy service provides a
customized report to help customers understand their energy use and
find ways to save money where you can use your actual power bills
to give you a customized report. You will enter information about
your home and family to measure how you use energy. Whether
customers own a home or rent, tailored tips are available at
www.GeorgiaPower.com/Save, which also includes access to a variety
of rebates and incentives for both homes and businesses. Energy
efficiency measures for customers include continued development and
implementation of new plans and programs approved in the 2019
Integrated Resource Plan.
Georgia Power Employee Safety
Georgia Power wants to
assure customers that it has comprehensive plans and procedures to
help ensure a continuation of operations and service as the
COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread. The company's detailed
plans are designed to ensure readiness of the critical personnel
and facilities necessary to continue providing the safe and
reliable energy our customers expect and deserve.
Georgia Power has been closely monitoring the potential threat
posed by COVID-19 since January. Proactive actions have been taken
that are designed to both prevent the spread of the illness and
protect the safety and health of employees, including:
- Implementing telecommuting for those who can perform their
duties remotely
- Cancelling facility tours and external meetings
- Increasing cleaning frequency at company locations
- Aggressively sanitizing work areas
- Cancelling all non-essential business travel – both domestic
and international
- Asking employees to self-identify, if they have or plan to
travel internationally
- Using technology for meetings
The company has regularly provided information and updates on
the virus to employees, including prevention recommendations from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is following
the latest developments and updates from public health officials
and medical professionals.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural
gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.
Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its
customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by
J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer
satisfaction. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and
Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
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SOURCE Georgia Power