Residents and groups press commission to join coalition to intervene in Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan and rate cases

At least four members of the public urged the Mayor and Commission to authorize Athens‑Clarke County to join the Coalition of Local Governments as an intervenor in Georgia Power’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and related rate proceedings before the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Speakers described Athens residents’ energy burden as higher than state and national averages and urged active local participation in the IRP process so Athens can influence resource choices, rate design, net‑metering and access to data. Delmyra Jennings cited the county’s Energy Equity Analysis and said some neighborhoods currently spend “nearly 30% of their income on energy bills.” Suzanne Warrenfeldt and Laura Iyer (representing Southern Sustainability Institute) described prior coalition wins — rate‑payer savings, net‑metering reforms and energy‑efficiency targets — and said local governments working together gain access to technical data and standing in PSC proceedings.

Commissioners discussed the recommendation in the ACC clean and renewable energy plan to participate. Commissioner Myers noted the influence of large energy users and data centers in state planning and endorsed active local engagement. Commissioner Lane reminded the public that Public Service Commissioners are elected officials who determine rates and that local government intervention can strengthen community input. Staff said joining the coalition would follow the strategy in the county’s clean‑energy plan and deliver technical capacity to represent local interests in the IRP and subsequent rate cases. No final action was taken at the agenda‑setting session; commissioners discussed next steps and the item was carried on for potential formal action.