ATLANTA, GA — The rate hikes are starting to add up for Georgia Power customers.

The state’s Public Service Commission has approved the utility’s sixth rate hike in just two years.

That new rate hike will take affect next month, and will increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by about three and a half percent. Those bills have increased by about $43 since January 2023.

Georgia Power says the rate hikes are necessary to account for costs from Plant Vogtle, rising fuel prices, and damage from Hurricane Helene.

Commissioner Lauren Bubba McDonald said he initially called for Georgia Power to stick with its 2024 rate, but did eventually approved the increase.

With the rate increase, residential customers will now pay approximately $171 per month on average.