Georgia Chamber Testifies for Stability and Fairness in Electric Rates 

ATLANTA – Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce testified before the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), urging PSC Commissioners to freeze base electric rates for three years. A three-year electric rate freeze would provide stability for Georgia businesses and families, while ensuring fair costs for smaller consumers. This thoughtful regulatory approach is an important step to keep Georgia the number one state in the country to do business.  

The testimony was provided by Katie Duvall, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Georgia Chamber of Commerce.  
 
Katie’s testimony as prepared for delivery is as follows:   

“Good morning, Commissioners.  

“My name is Katie Duvall, and I serve as Senior Director of Government Affairs for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today in support of the proposed agreement in Georgia Power’s rate case—specifically, the decision to freeze base electric rates for the next three years.  

“At the Georgia Chamber, we represent businesses of every size, in every region of our state. And no matter the sector—whether it’s logistics in Savannah, agriculture in South Georgia, manufacturing in Columbus, or technology in metro Atlanta—our members have made one thing clear: certainty matters.  

“This rate agreement delivers certainty.  

“At a time when many businesses are grappling with inflation, labor costs, interest rate pressures, and global instability, the ability to plan around stable energy costs is a competitive advantage. By locking in base rates through 2028, this Commission is giving Georgia’s business community and its consumers a much-needed window of stability.  

“Currently, the average Georgia Power customer pays just over $163 a month before taxes. Freezing that base rate ensures that families and businesses alike can plan ahead without fear of sudden, unpredictable increases. Equally important is the provision in this agreement that Georgia Power will not file a new rate case in 2025. That means this agreement doesn’t just stabilize prices—it stabilizes the regulatory environment.  

“Georgia is growing, and with that growth comes increased energy demand—especially from large-load users like data centers. But this agreement takes thoughtful steps to ensure those large consumers pay their fair share. Provisions like minimum billing commitments and financial guarantees mean those costs won’t be shifted onto smaller users. That’s a principle of fairness that the Chamber strongly supports.  

“We also recognize the careful approach the Commission is taking with storm recovery costs, especially related to Hurricane Helene. Delaying that cost recovery to a separate proceeding in 2026—and committing to a full audit before any decision is made—is the kind of transparency and fiscal discipline that builds trust.  

“But perhaps most importantly, this agreement strengthens Georgia’s reputation as a top state for business. When companies are choosing where to grow and invest, they look for reliability, affordability, and predictability in energy infrastructure. This agreement sends a clear message: Georgia is a smart place to do business.  

“In short, this rate freeze strikes the right balance. It supports affordability for customers, ensures fairness in how costs are shared, promotes transparency in cost recovery, and helps secure Georgia’s future as a leader in economic development.  

“On behalf of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the thousands of businesses we represent across this state, I respectfully urge the Commission to approve this agreement.  

“Thank you for your time and for your service to the people of Georgia.” 

A recording of the testimony is available by clicking HERE.

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Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.