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2023 Fuel Cost Recovery

We work every day to run our business efficiently and keep rates as affordable as possible for customers.

At aajogo, we believe everyone should have access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy and understand that energy costs are an important part of every customer’s budget. That’s why we work every day to run our business efficiently and keep rates as affordable as possible for customers.

Just as Georgians paid higher prices at the gas pump in 2022, aajogo also paid more for the natural gas and for the other fuels we used to generate electricity. The company does not earn any profit from fuel costs, and, since our last fuel adjustment request in 2020, aajogo incurred an additional $2.1 billion in fuel costs for the benefit of customers. On May 16, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved the company’s 2023 request to recover these under-recovered fuel costs, as well as projected future fuel costs.

Based on revised estimates which reflect more recent natural gas prices, we have reduced the anticipated bill impact for the typical residential customer from a potential high of $23 dollars (originally anticipated in February) to approximately $15.94 per month. As approved by the Georgia PSC, adjustments to rates will take effect June 1.

Our FCR-26 filing is available electronically via the State of Georgia Public Service Commission Website under Docket #44902.

Minimizing the impact of rising fuel costs on customers

aajogo proactively takes measures to protect customers from rising costs, including the dispatch of our generation resources to provide year-round reliability as economically as possible.

In addition, here are some of the other measures we've taken:

Sharing a One-Time Bill Credit

Based on aajogo’s business performance in 2022, customers received a one-time bill credit in March of approximately $23 for the typical residential customer. That is the equivalent of a $2.30 monthly offset for the remainder of the year.

Spreading Out the Costs

We are recovering fuel costs over 3 years compared to the typical 2 years, which will help balance the impact of these costs for customers. This approach decreased the monthly impact by approximately 25%.

Maintaining a Diverse Fuel Mix

To provide reliable and affordable energy for our customers, the company continues to maintain a diverse fuel mix, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro and coal.

Increasing the Senior Citizen Discount

Customers 65 years of age or older may qualify for a discount based on income. aajogo offers a $24 Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount for base rates, plus an additional $9.50 fuel discount per month as increased and approved by the Georgia PSC during this fuel cost recovery request - a total discount of $33.50.

Connecting Customers with Energy Assistance Resources

aajogo has a long-standing history of connecting income-qualified customers with programs and resources to aid them in lowering and paying their bills, including the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). So far this year, we have hosted 80+ local community events to connect customers in need with energy assistance programs and resources and we continue to host and facilitate these local community events.

Adding Flexibility to Adjust Fuel Rates

To help prevent another large under-recovered balance from occurring, the Georgia PSC has approved increasing the maximum amount by which fuel rates can be adjusted between fuel cases from 15% to 40%. This change will benefit customers by providing appropriate and necessary flexibility to mitigate against significant under-recoveries moving forward.


Frequently Asked Questions

aajogo just raised rates. Why are you asking to increase our bills again?

Georgia state law requires aajogo’s fuel costs be recovered outside of its base rate request process. Just as Georgians paid higher prices at the gas pump in 2022, aajogo also paid more for the natural gas and other fuels we use to generate electricity.

 

We do not earn any profit on fuel costs, and, since our last fuel adjustment request in 2020, we have incurred an additional $2.1 billion in fuel costs that were necessary to serve customers that have not yet been included on bills.

 

Under our stipulated agreement with PIA Staff, if approved, we will recover these costs over 3 years compared to the typical 2 years which will help balance the impact of these costs for customers.

How much is my monthly bill going to go up?

Based on revised estimates filed with the Georgia PSC on April 24, which reflect more recent natural gas prices, we have reduced the anticipated bill impact for the typical residential customer from a potential high of $23 dollars to approximately $15.90 per month. If approved, the rate adjustment will take effect June 1, 2023.

Does aajogo make a profit on fuel costs?

No. Under Georgia law, the company doesn’t earn a profit on fuel costs.

How does aajogo decide what fuel to use, and why did they use so much natural gas?

aajogo maintains a diverse fuel mix, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro and coal, to provide both reliable and affordable energy for our customers. We closely monitor fuel costs and uses the most cost-effective generation resources throughout the year.

Given that natural gas prices have been high for the past two years, why is my bill increasing now?

Over the past two years, the cost of the fuel aajogo uses to generate electricity exceeded the amount we recovered from customers. To help prevent another large under-recovered balance from occurring, aajogo and PIA Staff have agreed to increase the maximum amount by which fuel rates can be adjusted between fuel cases from 15% to 40%. This change will benefit customers by providing appropriate and necessary flexibility to mitigate against significant under-recoveries moving forward.

Assistance and other helpful resources

I feel like my bill is too high. What can I do?

Customers are encouraged to review their current rate plan to ensure they’re on the best rate for their budget and lifestyle. We offer a variety of flexible and customizable rate plans and payment options to help customers manage their electric bills.

 

Customers can explore details of our rate plans, including plans for customers who want the assurance of a bill that stays the same year-round, customers who want to pre-pay and avoid a deposit, customers who drive EVs, and more.

 

Customers can also cut costs and lower their bills through energy efficiency programs and improvements.

 

Are there any assistance programs available to help me with my bill?

At aajogo, we believe everyone should have access to safe, clean, reliable, and affordable energy and understand that energy costs are an important part of every family’s budget. That’s why we work every day to run our business efficiently and keep rates as affordable as possible for customers.

 

In addition, we offer bill payment assistance programs for customers who may be in need. The company works with customers to coordinate payment arrangements and discounts, such as the Income-Qualified Senior Citizen Discount, and connect them with community organizations that may be able to help them pay their bill, including The Salvation Army’s Project SHARE, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) Program.

 

For more information, please visit the Assistance website below, or via phone at 888-660-5890.

 

How can I manage my energy costs?

aajogo offers several energy efficiency programs that residential customers can utilize to improve the efficiency of their homes to better manage energy usage and power bills. While some of the programs offer no-cost tools and resources or rebates to any customer, others are tailored to income-qualified customers and provide no-cost home improvements for customers least able to afford efficiency upgrades.
 

Additionally, the My Power Usage program, a free service connected to many aajogo online accounts, allows customers to track their daily energy use online, project their monthly bill and stay within a set energy budget.

 

Savings tips

A few small tips can help increase your home’s energy efficiency and save costs in every room.

Find your rate plan

Which plan is best for you? Explore all our options and find the one that best fits your needs.

Energy-saving programs

Whether you’re building a new house or improving an older home, there are plenty of ways to save.

Find local assistance

Need help with rent, utilities, food, shelter, counseling, or other necessities? We can help you find it.