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Healey says Trump’s tariffs will hike electric bills, other costs
Can I ask you about the tariffs about concerns about what tariffs will do in Mexico and Canada. Look, as governor, I’ve been all about how do we lower costs for people, lower costs for housing, right? We cut taxes, how do we make life more affordable? So President Trump in proposing tariffs, that is going to cost all of us money. It’s going to raise the price for all goods and services. Imagine housing. We want to build housing in the state. You put *** 25% tax on lumber coming from Canada, from Mexico. That’s going to really hurt our ability to build housing in the state. I think about energy costs right now. I’m also focused on driving down energy costs. Trump’s tariffs are going to blow energy costs up. We estimate that if he imposes tariffs on. You know what we have coming from Canada and elsewhere, whether it’s hydro or other forms of energy, we get gas, we get *** lot of things. We estimate that’s going to cost companies $200 million extra every year. So we’ve got, you know, to me, President Trump ran on making life more affordable. The grocery store, cost of bread and eggs. I still want to see *** plan for that. One thing. That we should not be doing, and I strongly encourage President Trump to not do this is to raise the costs, raise the price on goods and services in Massachusetts and around this country by imposing tariffs. Everything you buy food, clothing, electronics, supplies for all of our companies, all that’s going to go through the roof if he makes good on his promise of tariffs.
President Donald Trump’s promise to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico could impact Massachusetts electric bills, Gov. Maura Healey said.”Trump’s tariffs are going to blow energy costs up,” the Democrat told reporters last week. Trump, a Republican, said last week that he expects to put 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 1.Massachusetts buys energy from Canada, including both natural gas and electricity, Healey pointed out. “We estimate that’s going to cost companies $200 million extra every year,” the governor said.Healey also warned that tariffs could have an additional impact on other state priorities, including housing. She described Trump’s plan as a “25% tax on lumber” imported for new building projects. “President Trump proposing tariffs, that is going to cost all of us money,” Healey said. “It’s going to raise the price for all goods and services.”Trump pledged in his inaugural address that tariffs would be coming and said foreign countries would pay the trade penalties, even though those taxes are currently paid by domestic importers and often passed along to consumers.”President Trump ran on making life more affordable, at the grocery store, the cost of bread and eggs, I still want to see a plan for that,” Healey said. “One thing that we should not be doing, and I strongly encourage President Trump to not do this, is to raise the costs.”
NEEDHAM, Mass. —President Donald Trump’s promise to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico could impact Massachusetts electric bills, Gov. Maura Healey said.
“Trump’s tariffs are going to blow energy costs up,” the Democrat told reporters last week.
Trump, a Republican, said last week that he expects to put 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting on Feb. 1.
Massachusetts buys energy from Canada, including both natural gas and electricity, Healey pointed out.
“We estimate that’s going to cost companies $200 million extra every year,” the governor said.
Healey also warned that tariffs could have an additional impact on other state priorities, including housing. She described Trump’s plan as a “25% tax on lumber” imported for new building projects.
“President Trump proposing tariffs, that is going to cost all of us money,” Healey said. “It’s going to raise the price for all goods and services.”
Trump pledged in his inaugural address that tariffs would be coming and said foreign countries would pay the trade penalties, even though those taxes are currently paid by domestic importers and often passed along to consumers.
“President Trump ran on making life more affordable, at the grocery store, the cost of bread and eggs, I still want to see a plan for that,” Healey said. “One thing that we should not be doing, and I strongly encourage President Trump to not do this, is to raise the costs.”
In a recent statement, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey warned that President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods will result in higher electric bills and increased costs for consumers. Healey emphasized that the tariffs on solar panels, steel, aluminum, and other materials will ultimately be passed down to consumers in the form of price hikes.Healey expressed concern that the tariffs will stifle the growth of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, which have become increasingly affordable and accessible in recent years. She argued that the tariffs will make it more expensive for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels, ultimately hindering progress towards a clean energy future.
In addition to higher electric bills, Healey pointed out that the tariffs will also impact a wide range of other industries, including manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. She urged the Trump administration to reconsider its trade policies and work towards solutions that do not impose unnecessary financial burdens on American consumers.
As consumers brace for the impact of Trump’s tariffs, Healey’s warning serves as a reminder of the broader economic consequences of protectionist trade policies. The potential ramifications of these tariffs extend far beyond the realm of international trade, affecting everyday Americans in their wallets and their homes.
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- Healey
- Trump
- Tariffs
- Electric bills
- Cost increase
- Energy prices
- Economic impact
- Trade policy
- Consumer expenses
- Government regulations
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Higher customer bills on tap as DTE gets approval for $217.4 million electric rate hike
DTE Energy Co. customers will pay a higher electric rate starting next month as the Michigan Public Service Commission on Thursday approved the utility’s second hike in a little more than a year. The higher rate is expected to yield the utility an annual revenue increase of $217.4 million.
Starting Feb. 6, a typical residential DTE customer using 500 kWh a month will see an increase of $4.61, or 4.65%, in their monthly bill under the rate hike. The MPSC cut the Detroit-based utility’s original increase request by 52%.
The commission said that the revenue increase would allow DTE to upgrade aging power lines and improve reliability through increased maintenance and more frequent tree trimming, with a focus on Detroit and its nearest suburbs that have some of the oldest power lines on the utility’s grid.
Before a unanimous approval of the hike at the commission’s meeting on Thursday, commission member Katherine Peretick said although DTE, in its application seeking the increased rates, justified its tree trimming, pole top maintenance and other programs, it fell short of the commission’s expectations to show customer benefit of pilot programs that the higher rates would help fund.
“There are many places in this order where the justification was just not sufficient for us to be comfortable approving the spending,” she said.
Commission member Alessandra Carreon noted DTE needed to provide more detailed information about the programs that it says will help it continue to make strides in terms of reliability.
“We recognize the progress DTE has made in prioritizing infrastructure upgrades in vulnerable communities … however, DTE must go further by integrating demographic and reliability data into its distribution planning process,” she said.
But the commission chair, Dan Scripps, said the additional funding would ensure DTE makes strides in reducing the number and duration of outages, an issue the MPSC has been “obsessed” with, he said.
“The $217 million approved in additional revenue in this case, I think, brings us several important steps closer to where we need to be,” he said.
In response to the approval of the rate hike, DTE released a statement Thursday, saying: “Our customers demand and deserve reliable energy. DTE Energy is continuously improving our operations and driving down costs to keep energy affordable.”
DTE argued the hike will be mitigated because of its “recent customer monthly bill reduction in the power supply cost recovery factor (PSCR),” believing that “customers will not experience an increase in their monthly bills.”
DTE spokesperson Ryan Lowry explained that move, which took effect in November, reduced DTE’s PSCR by $300 million, which reduced residential bills by about $5 per month, on average, through the end of 2025.
The PSCR, a variable rate that reflects the actual cost of the fuel and other sources DTE uses to produce electricity, might later rise or fall depending on market prices, but for the rest of 2025, the utility expects it will continue to offset the rate increase approved Thursday, Lowry told The Detroit News.
The parts of DTE’s request that the MPSC approved include:
- An increase of $87 million, from $409.5 million to $496.5. million for 2019-25, to trim trees and other vegetation around power lines more often.
- Costs for DTE Electric’s breaker replacement program.
- Costs relating to expanding and adding substations and rebuilding miles of cable.
- Increasing DTE Electric’s low-income utility bill assistance credit from $40 to $50 a month, for enrolled customers whose household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
- Electric vehicle investments to support charging infrastructure, including $12.5 million in capital expenses for DTE Electric’s Charging Forward program in 2024 and $5.1 million in 2025.
- Costs for the utility’s portable generator program, which provides generators to the most vulnerable customers during widespread outages, helping power refrigerators and freezers, preventing the loss of food and medicine, powering critical-care medical devices, and more.
The commission held steady DTE’s authorized rate of return on common equity of 9.9%, rejecting the company’s proposal to increase it to 10.5%.
The MPSC also declined DTE’s request to recover through customer rates the costs of customer power outage credits caused by weather, vehicle crashes or contact with animals and refused to authorize $258,000 in corporate jet travel the company sought to recover from customers, saying the company did not demonstrate how the expense benefitted ratepayers.
DTE has been sharply criticized by customers, consumer advocates and some state officials for lengthy and extensive power outages following winter and summer storms, and Amy Bandyk, executive director for the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan, said in an email that the MSPC “did not go nearly far enough to send DTE the message that it needs to change its ways.”
“It’s not a matter of having enough money to improve the grid — it’s a matter of what DTE does with it,” Bandyk said. “The commission, however, approved most of DTE’s proposed plans for distribution system ‘hardening’ despite the utility’s failures to show that these steps are wise investments for the customer.”
The Michigan Attorney General’s office said in an October filing to the MPSC that the increase should be capped at $139.5 million, citing calculations based on expert testimony to the company’s revenue deficiency for the year.
“DTE needs to rein in its requests and be held accountable for continued service and reliability shortcomings — not rewarded for subpar performance by simply dumping more money into the machine,” according to the document filed by Joel King, assistant attorney general. “DTE’s customers and the entire state of Michigan deserve better.”
Those comments came 11 months after the commission granted DTE a $368 million electric rate increase for electricity users, costing the average residential customer about $6.51 more per month.
In September, state regulators released a third-party audit that concluded DTE and Consumers Energy, Michigan’s two largest utilities, had “worse than average” interruptions and restoration delays than other utilities, and tree-trimming cycles for both DTE Electric and were more delayed than their colleagues’.
The audit by Liberty Consulting Group found that both Consumer and DTE’s customer average interruption duration index in 2022 and 2023 — the average time it takes to restore service — was worse than average among other utilities, ranking in the fourth quartile for reliability.
It also noted in those same years that the number of Consumers and DTE customers who experienced four or more outages, as well as the customers who experienced outages of 8 hours or more, was “greater than usually acceptable for utilities,” again ranking the fourth quartile compared to other utilities.
Scripps said at the time the audit provided “a roadmap to achieving a grid that meets customer expectations.”
mreinhart@detrointnews.com
@max_detroitnews
mjohnson@detroitnews.com
@_myeshajohnson
Staff Writers Beth LeBlanc and Breana Noble contributed.
Are you ready for higher electric bills? DTE Energy has recently been granted approval for a $217.4 million rate hike by the Michigan Public Service Commission. This means that customers can expect to see an increase in their monthly bills in the near future.The rate hike comes as DTE seeks to recover costs for infrastructure upgrades and investments in renewable energy sources. While the exact amount of the increase will vary depending on usage, customers can expect to see an overall uptick in their electric bills.
This news may come as a disappointment to many customers who are already struggling to make ends meet. However, DTE has stated that the rate hike is necessary to ensure the reliability and sustainability of their electric grid.
As customers brace themselves for higher bills, it’s important to explore ways to reduce energy consumption and lower costs. Simple steps like turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and sealing drafts around doors and windows can all help to save on energy expenses.
Keep an eye on your upcoming bills to see how the rate hike will impact your budget, and consider reaching out to DTE for assistance or payment plan options if needed. Stay informed and proactive to navigate these changes in the energy landscape.
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Restaurants begin implementing service charges preparing for tipped wage hike
FARMINGTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan minimum wage is expected to increase for tipped workers starting Feb. 21.
Some are celebrating the bump while others including some restaurant owners are worried they won’t be able to sustain the hike. That includes John Cowley & Sons Irish Pub in Farmington, which recently implemented a 20% service charge to prepare for the change.
WXYZ
The 20 percent surcharge at John Cowley & Son’s in Farmington Last summer, the Michigan Supreme Court reinstated a 2018 law that state Republicans at the time blocked to increase the tipped wage and amount of sick time leave for workers. With the Supreme Court’s decision, the increase of $5.99 per hour for tipped workers is expected to go into effect next month.
“This business model cannot support what they’re trying to do,” John Cowley & Sons owner Greg Cowley said. “It will put a lot of restaurants down.”
Previous coverage: New year brings new minimum wage to Michigan, but some don’t want the raise
New year brings new minimum wage to Michigan, but some don’t want the raise
To keep the restaurant open, Cowley says he had to make the decision of letting go staff or implementing some sort of service charge. He says laying off staff was not an option for him.
“I’ve got about 16 servers… I can’t run the building without 16 servers. I need that kind of labor,” he said. “Pretty easy decision for me to basically say I’m leaving my menu prices where they are at and the margins that I expected, and I’m just taking the money out of the right pocket and putting it in the left where basically the surcharge is flipped over and is now in their salary.”
WXYZ
Owner of John Cowley and Son’s, Greg Cowley Republican Rep. Bill Schuette is chair of the newly formed select committee Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. He says he is working around the clock to make sure that raise does not happen.
“Unless the Legislature acts, we’re going to see an elimination of the tip credit, which is going to not only put additional costs on your family when you’re going out to eat but also will rob restaurant workers of their hard-earned tipped wages, which is a key part of their income,” Schuette said. “Our restaurant workers, the restaurant industry, they’re facing a freight train that is bearing down on them come Feb. 21. And that’s because of a ruling the Supreme Court has made.”
WXYZ
Rep. Bill G. Schuette speaking with 7 News Detroit Reporter Ruta Ulcinaite However, advocacy groups like One Fair Wage disagree, saying that workers will now have a higher wage as well as their tips.
“The tips aren’t going away on Feb. 22. This is about raising the base wage with tips on top, and every restaurant worker across Michigan will earn more money come Feb. 21,” former state legislator and One Fair Wage senior adviser Dave Woodward said. “I think what the Republican-controlled statehouse is doing is absolutely shameful. They’re doing the exact same thing that their predecessors did six years ago: scheming with the big corporate lobbies to deny workers in Michigan a wage increase and the ability to earn paid sick time.”
WXYZ
Former State Representative and current One Fair Wage senior adviser Dave Woodward Warren resident Hannah Gregory says despite the possible surcharges statewide, she’ll still tip.
“I have family that have worked in service industries and I just know how much their tips mean to them and to their families, so I just think you have to take care of your neighbors,” she said.
Scheutte and other House Republicans have two bills that would reinstate the tip credit and address the sick time policy, hoping to get those on the House floor by Thursday.
As the minimum wage for tipped workers continues to rise in many states across the country, restaurants are beginning to implement service charges to help offset the increased labor costs.With the tipped minimum wage set to increase to $15 an hour in some states, restaurant owners are looking for ways to ensure their staff is fairly compensated while also maintaining profitability.
By adding a service charge to customers’ bills, restaurants can redistribute the funds to their employees in a more equitable manner. This allows all staff members, not just servers, to benefit from the increased revenue.
While some customers may be hesitant to pay a service charge on top of their bill, many restaurants are finding that customers are willing to support fair wages for their service industry workers.
Overall, the implementation of service charges is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that restaurant workers are paid fairly for their labor. As the tipped wage hike continues to roll out across the country, it is likely that more restaurants will follow suit in implementing service charges to support their staff.
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- Restaurant service charges
- Tipped wage hike
- Service charge implementation
- Restaurant industry changes
- Tipped wage impact
- Restaurant service fee
- Tipped wage legislation
- Hospitality industry update
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- Restaurant gratuity update
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Netflix Raises Prices Including First Hike on Ad-Supported Tier
Netflix is increasing subscription prices in the U.S. and other markets — including the first hike on its ad-supported plan.
The streamer revealed the price increases along with its Q4 2024 earnings results Tuesday, when it announced its biggest-ever quarterly increase in subscribers with a gain of 18.9 million for the period.
Under the new pricing in the U.S., Netflix’s Standard plan without ads will rise by $2.50 — going from $15.49 to $17.99 per month. It’s been three years since Netflix upped the pricing of the Standard tier, which provides two simultaneous HD streams.
In addition, Netflix’s ad-supported tier will cost $7.99 per month, up $1 from $6.99. The price of the Premium tier, with four simultaneous streams, will be $24.99 per month, up $2. The cost of adding an Extra Member to a primary account is increasing from $7.99 to $8.99 per month.
“As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix,” the company said in its quarterly letter to investors. “To that end, we are adjusting prices today across most plans in the U.S., Canada, Portugal and Argentina (which was already factored into the 2025 guidance we provided in October 2024).”
In its last major U.S. price hike, in October 2023 Netflix raised the price of the Basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month in the U.S. and upped the Premium price from $19.99 to $22.99. (In the U.S. and several other markets, it no longer offers the Basic plan, with the “Standard With Ads” tier serving as the entry-level option.) At that time, the cost of the streamer’s ad-supported remained at $6.99 per month in the U.S. and the Standard package stayed at $15.49 per month. The last time Netflix raised the U.S. price of the Standard plan was in January 2022.
In announcing the Q4 earnings and price increases, Netflix raised its 2025 outlook for revenue to be between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion (up $500 million from its prior forecast) and for operating margin to be 29%, up one percentage point from the prior forecast.
“Netflix reaffirms its leadership position and is absolutely running away in the streaming market,” said Paolo Pescatore, analyst and founder of PP Foresight, commenting on the Q4 earnings. “It is now flexing its muscles by adjusting prices given its far stronger and diversified programming slate compared to rivals.”
Netflix did not raise subscription prices in 2024, but execs said multiple times last year that rate increases were on the table.
On Tuesday, the company said ad-supported plans in Q4 accounted for over 55% of sign-ups in its ads countries and membership on the ads plan grew nearly 30% quarter over quarter. Netflix also Tuesday announced an “Extra Member With Ads” offering in 10 of the 12 countries where it has an ads plan “to give our members additional choice and flexibility.”
“We’re on track to reach sufficient scale for ads members in all of our ads countries in 2025. A top priority in 2025 is to improve our offering for advertisers so that we can substantially grow our advertising revenue,” the company said in its investor letter.
Netflix has announced that it will be raising its prices, including the first hike on its ad-supported tier. The popular streaming service will be increasing its rates in order to continue providing high-quality content to its subscribers.This price hike comes as Netflix faces increased competition from other streaming services and struggles to keep up with rising production costs. The ad-supported tier, which was introduced last year as a cheaper alternative to the regular subscription plans, will see its first price increase since its launch.
While some subscribers may be disappointed by the news of higher prices, Netflix has assured customers that the increase will allow them to continue investing in new content and improving the overall streaming experience.
It’s important to note that the price hike will vary depending on the region and subscription plan, so subscribers should check their account settings to see how much their monthly fee will be increasing.
Overall, Netflix remains a top choice for many viewers looking for a wide variety of shows and movies, and the price increase reflects the company’s commitment to delivering quality entertainment.
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Netflix, price increase, streaming services, ad-supported tier, subscription cost, entertainment news, digital platform, online viewing, price hike, streaming industry, subscription services, media consumption
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YouTube TV’s price hike is driving me back to cable
When it came time to cut the cord from DirecTV, YouTube TV made the most sense to me. I was most familiar with the interface, and the app worked well with all my mobile devices. It also fulfilled my entertainment needs with local stations and enough national sports channels to watch live NFL and NHL games. Unfortunately, YouTube is raising the price again, and its television service is now $83 a month. Once I add in a few of my favorite streaming services, I’m back paying the amount that caused me to switch in the first place.
Recreating my entertainment was a challenge
Not all packages are created equal
When I left DirecTV, I had to recreate my desired entertainment experience. It felt like putting pieces of broken glass back together. It’s surprising how many channels you don’t even think of until they are gone. I knew sacrifices had to be made, and fringe channels I only watched occasionally would be eliminated. However, it was worth it because I was saving over $100 a month, and Flipping Out hadn’t been on Bravo in years. With a combination of YouTube TV and streaming services, I could get close enough to the television entertainment I had watched for years.
Even if the math doesn’t exactly work out in your area, realizing the savings gap has closed isn’t difficult.
Unfortunately, cutting the cord can be complicated for sports fans. While I could watch national NHL, NBA, and local NFL games without issue on YouTube TV, I had problems with regional sports networks. For example, Yankees fans would be disappointed to learn you can’t get the YES Network on YouTube TV. Contract disputes between cable carriers and regional networks are common. Still, there’s usually a resolution before Opening Day’s first pitch because no one wants the backlash from angry fans. Because YouTube TV serves so many regions, there isn’t the same urgency, and its dispute with the YES Network has run on for over four years.
I’m not saving what I used to
YouTube TV is not worth the headache for $10
At first, I could live with the headaches and different streaming services needed because I was saving so much money. Over $1,000 a year in savings buys you a lot of patience. Unfortunately, YouTube TV decided to use up all of it. YouTube initially charged $35 a month for its TV service, and I signed on when the service was only $50 a month. At those prices, I was comfortable. I was getting a fantastic value, and the ease of use was worth the switch. Over time, YouTube increased the price with the most recent bump, bringing the price to $83 a month — a far cry from its reasonable beginnings.
If cable television prices increased to match, the YouTube TV price changes would be unpleasant, but something we’d have to live with. However, a simple internet search will reveal several cable companies and DirecTV with competitively priced packages, with some starting at even less than YouTube TV. Even if the math doesn’t exactly work out in your area, realizing the savings gap has closed isn’t difficult. I cut the cord to save $100 a month, not $10. If I can bundle my internet and even get a landline thrown in for pennies, the price difference becomes a wash, especially once I add all the streaming services — many of which can also be bundled with cable service.
Cable companies kept pace with the times
It’s no longer about your set-top box
Cable and satellite TV providers understood they had to do something to keep customers (or lure them back). If you’ve used Optimum TV services lately, you know the set-top functions are more like a Roku Ultra than the ones you remember from years ago. You’re no longer tied to your TV for entertainment options, either. DirecTV uses Gemini (no, not thatGemini), which provides access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps and streaming services. The company also offers an internet-only version, so you can watch your favorite shows and channels without putting an unsightly satellite dish on your roof.
Read our reviewThe updated Roku Ultra is still the best jack-of-all-trades streaming device
Speed bump and new voice remote? Yes, please.
It’s also easier than ever to enjoy content from your computer simply by having a cable TV account. I can watch live sports on ESPN or the NFL website using my traditional cable login and password. I can do the same for several regional sports networks. Major broadcast networks like CBS, NBC, and more allow you to stream full episodes and live television through their apps. Cutting the cord is no longer an issue, since many cable and satellite companies operate like streaming services.
YouTube TV needs to understand its audience
If the recent price increase wasn’t bad enough, rumors suggest YouTube will raise prices again in 2025. I can’t imagine a world where I pay $100 monthly for YouTube TV, but we’re headed in that direction. With streaming services like Max and Disney+ raising prices in the last couple of years, cord-cutting is getting more expensive. Cable TV providers offer enticing bundles on popular streaming services, set-top boxes to download apps and shows, and attractive base prices. YouTube TV is forcing me back to cable, and I don’t even have to stare at the Guide channel for 10 minutes to see what’s on anymore.
As a longtime cord-cutter, I’ve always relied on streaming services like YouTube TV to get my fix of live TV without the hefty price tag of traditional cable. However, with YouTube TV recently announcing a significant price increase, I find myself seriously considering going back to cable.When I first signed up for YouTube TV, it was a no-brainer. For just $50 a month, I had access to all the channels I wanted, unlimited cloud DVR, and the convenience of streaming on multiple devices. But now, with the price jumping to $65 a month, I can’t help but wonder if it’s worth it.
Sure, YouTube TV still offers a great selection of channels and features, but at that price point, it’s starting to feel more like a traditional cable package. And when I factor in the cost of other streaming services I subscribe to, like Netflix and Hulu, it’s becoming harder to justify the expense.
On the other hand, cable providers are starting to offer more flexible packages and competitive pricing, making the idea of going back to cable more appealing. Plus, with cable, I wouldn’t have to worry about buffering or internet outages affecting my TV-watching experience.
Ultimately, the decision to switch back to cable will depend on how much value I place on convenience and cost. But for now, YouTube TV’s price hike has me seriously reconsidering my cord-cutting ways.
Tags:
- YouTube TV
- Price hike
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- Cord cutting
- Subscription services
- Channel lineup
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Georgia Power bill rate hike: Everything to know
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – In January, your Georgia Power bill will increase by 3.5%.
That adjustment equates to a $5.85 increase on each monthly bill for the average resident using 1,000 kilowatt hours of energy, according to a Georgia Power spokesperson.
The Georgia Public Service Commission approved the rate increase in mid-December, following similar rate increases in 2023 and 2024.
These annual rate increases were orchestrated as part of a 2022 agreement between the commission and the utility company.
“No one wants a rate increase, but in order to keep the grid going, we have to fund it,” said Commissioner Tim Echols.
Echols said the board negotiated the rate increases to occur annually rather than all at once in 2022, to help limit the impact on Georgia consumers.
He said the state approved 60% of what Georgia Power was seeking in their proposed rate adjustments.
Echols commiserated with customers experiencing higher energy bills.
“We’ve had too many rate increases over the last three years,” Echols said.
Some customers voiced frustration over a separate bill bump this summer.
Georgia Power is expected to make $306 million in additional revenue from the January rate hike, down from the originally projected $400 million estimate in 2022, according to a state spokesperson.
“Another increase in January, so I’m mentally preparing and trying to budget for that to kind of see what that shock is going to be like,” said one Georgia Power customer named Marcus.
A Georgia Power spokesperson told Atlanta News First the company is committed to keeping utility bills affordable and said the average Georgia Power customer pays 15% less than the national average on their energy bills.
“As much as you hate having your power bill going up a few dollars, you would really hate rolling blackouts,” said Echols, who said maintaining a reliable power system is his top priority as a commissioner.
The rate increase comes as Southern Company, Georgia Power’s parent company, is reporting notable profits.
In an October earnings report, Southern Company reported earnings of $3.9 billion, compared with $3.1 billion for the same period in 2023.
The company said those earnings were partially offset by increased expenses and taxes.
A Georgia Power spokesperson also recognized the profit earnings by Southern Company, attributing the “high performance throughout the year” to weather and growth across the system, they said in a statement to Atlanta News First.
“Our parent company, Southern Company, has reported high performance throughout this year, largely due to weather and growth across our system,” the Georgia Power spokesperson said.
Said Echols: “I feel like the investments have made Georgia a more reliable place to live and to work.”
On Tuesday, a Georgia Power spokesperson pointed to customer assistance programs for those struggling to keep up with their energy bills.
Earlier this year, the utility company expanded an income-qualified discount program for those with limited incomes and in need of financial resources.
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
Georgia Power customers may be in for a shock as the utility company recently announced a rate hike that will affect their monthly bills. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming increase:1. The rate hike: Georgia Power has requested a rate increase of 7.7% from the Georgia Public Service Commission. If approved, this would mean an average increase of about $10 per month for residential customers.
2. Reason for the hike: Georgia Power has stated that the rate increase is necessary to cover the costs of investments in infrastructure and to ensure reliable service for customers. The company has also cited rising fuel and environmental compliance costs as reasons for the hike.
3. How it will impact customers: The rate hike will impact all Georgia Power customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. For residential customers, the increase will show up on their monthly bills, potentially leading to higher electricity costs.
4. Public hearings: The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold public hearings to gather input from customers and stakeholders on the rate hike proposal. Customers are encouraged to attend these hearings and voice their opinions on the proposed increase.
5. Energy-saving tips: In light of the rate hike, customers are encouraged to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and lower their monthly bills. Simple measures such as turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and adjusting the thermostat can help save on energy costs.
Overall, the Georgia Power rate hike is a significant development that will impact customers across the state. Stay informed about the upcoming changes and consider taking steps to minimize the impact on your monthly electricity bills.
Tags:
- Georgia Power
- Bill rate hike
- Rate increase
- Energy prices
- Utility bills
- Electricity rates
- Georgia energy market
- Georgia Power news
- Rate hike impact
- Consumer tips
#Georgia #Power #bill #rate #hike
How Georgia Power is justifying another looming rate hike
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia Power is preparing to raise rates yet again, with a 3.5% hike taking effect next Wednesday.
The utility says the money will be used to pay for grid improvements, investments in cleaner energy and customer service upgrades.
The adjustment equates to a $5.85 increase on each monthly bill for the average resident using 1,000 kilowatt hours of energy, according to a Georgia Power spokesperson.
The Georgia Public Service Commission approved the rate increase in mid-December, following similar rate increases in 2023 and 2024.
These annual rate increases were orchestrated as part of a 2022 agreement between the commission and the utility company.
“No one wants a rate increase, but in order to keep the grid going, we have to fund it,” said Commissioner Tim Echols.
Echols said the board negotiated the rate increases to occur annually rather than all at once in 2022, to help limit the impact on Georgia consumers.
He said the state approved 60% of what Georgia Power was seeking in its proposed rate adjustments.
Echols commiserated with customers experiencing higher energy bills.
“We’ve had too many rate increases over the last three years,” Echols said.
When Plant Vogtle Unit 4 went online earlier this year, it sparked a 5% increase.
That followed an increase when Unit 3 went online.
And in summer 2023, there was an increase in response to higher fuel costs.
Looking ahead, the company could seek another rate hike to pay for damage from Hurricane Helene, the most destructive storm in company history.
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Georgia Power is expected to make $306 million in additional revenue from the January rate hike, down from the originally projected $400 million estimate in 2022, according to a state spokesperson.
A Georgia Power spokesperson said the company is committed to keeping utility bills affordable and said the average Georgia Power customer pays 15% less than the national average on their energy bills.
“As much as you hate having your power bill going up a few dollars, you would really hate rolling blackouts,” said Echols, who said maintaining a reliable power system is his top priority as a commissioner.
The rate increase comes as Southern Company, Georgia Power’s parent company, is reporting notable profits.
In an October earnings report, Southern Company reported earnings of $3.9 billion, compared with $3.1 billion for the same period in 2023.
The company said those earnings were partially offset by increased expenses and taxes.
A Georgia Power spokesperson also recognized the profit earnings by Southern Company, attributing the “high performance throughout the year” to weather and growth across the system, they said.
“Our parent company, Southern Company, has reported high performance throughout this year, largely due to weather and growth across our system,” the Georgia Power spokesperson said.
Said Echols: “I feel like the investments have made Georgia a more reliable place to live and to work.”
On Tuesday, a Georgia Power spokesperson pointed to customer assistance programs for those struggling to keep up with their energy bills.
Earlier this year, the utility company expanded an income-qualified discount program for those with limited incomes and in need of financial resources.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Georgia Power recently announced their plans to increase rates for their customers, and many are questioning how the company is justifying yet another rate hike. The utility company claims that the rate increase is necessary in order to cover the costs of maintaining and upgrading their infrastructure, as well as to meet the growing demand for electricity in the state.According to Georgia Power, the rate hike is also needed to fund their investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which they claim will ultimately benefit both their customers and the environment. The company argues that these investments will help reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower overall energy costs in the long run.
However, many customers are skeptical of these justifications, especially considering that Georgia Power has already raised rates multiple times in recent years. Some critics argue that the company should focus on finding cost-effective solutions to meet their energy needs, rather than passing the burden onto consumers.
As the debate over the rate hike continues, it remains to be seen how Georgia Power will address the concerns of their customers and justify their decision to increase rates once again.
Tags:
Georgia Power, rate hike, electricity prices, utility company, energy costs, financial justification, customer impact, regulatory approval, economic factors, energy consumption, electricity market
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CompTIA Cysa+ Study Guide: Job-Focused Guide Optimized for Comprehension and Retention – Boost Employability by 96%, Gain a 53% Salary Hike | HANDS ON … 1-ON-1 COACHING, EXTRAS (Italian Edition)
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(as of Dec 26,2024 03:27:26 UTC – Details)
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Publisher : Independently published (July 23, 2024)
Language : Italian
Paperback : 190 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8333913906
Item Weight : 1.24 pounds
Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.43 x 11 inches
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