Atlanta Gas Light vs Georgia Power: Understanding Your Utility Bills

If you live in metro Atlanta or other parts of Georgia, you likely receive two separate utility bills: one from Georgia Power for electricity and one from a natural gas marketer that uses Atlanta Gas Light's distribution system. Understanding the difference between these utilities—and how each bill works—can help you manage your energy costs more effectively.

The Key Difference

Georgia Power: Your Electric Utility

Georgia Power is a regulated electric utility that:

Generates electricity at power plants
Transmits power through high-voltage lines
Distributes electricity to your home
Bills you directly for all services

You cannot choose a different electric provider in Georgia Power's service territory. Rates are set by the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Atlanta Gas Light: Your Gas Distribution Utility

Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) is a natural gas distribution company that:

Owns and maintains gas pipelines
Delivers natural gas to your home
Does NOT sell you gas directly

You CAN choose your gas marketer (the company that sells you the actual gas). Atlanta Gas Light just delivers it.

How Natural Gas Works in Georgia

Georgia deregulated natural gas in 1998, creating a unique system:

The Players

Atlanta Gas Light (AGL): Owns the pipes, delivers gas, handles emergencies
Gas Marketers: Companies that buy gas wholesale and sell it to you
Georgia Public Service Commission: Regulates the system

Your Gas Bill

When you receive a gas bill, it typically includes:

Gas commodity charge: What you pay the marketer for the gas itself
Base charge: Fixed monthly fee from the marketer
AGL delivery charges: Pass-through costs for using AGL's pipes
Taxes and fees: Various state and local charges

Choosing a Gas Marketer

Unlike electricity, you can shop for natural gas in Georgia. Here's how:

Popular Gas Marketers

SCANA Energy
Gas South
Constellation
Infinite Energy
Georgia Natural Gas

What to Compare

Per-therm rate: The cost of the gas itself
Base charge: Monthly fixed fee
Contract terms: Fixed vs. variable rates
Contract length: Month-to-month vs. annual
Customer service: Reviews and reputation

Where to Shop

The Georgia PSC maintains a website (www.psc.state.ga.us) where you can compare certified gas marketers and their current rates.

Understanding Your Georgia Power Bill

Bill Components

| Component | Description |

|-----------|-------------|

| Basic Service Charge | Fixed monthly fee (~$10) |

| Energy Charge | Per-kWh rate for electricity |

| Fuel Cost Recovery | Pass-through fuel costs |

| Environmental Compliance | Clean energy compliance costs |

| Nuclear Construction | Plant Vogtle cost recovery |

| Taxes | State and local taxes |

Key Points

Regulated rates: Set by Georgia PSC
No shopping: You can't choose a different provider
Rate plans: You can choose from different rate structures (standard, TOU, etc.)

Understanding Your Gas Bill

Bill Components

| Component | Description |

|-----------|-------------|

| Gas Commodity | Per-therm rate from your marketer |

| Base Charge | Fixed monthly fee from marketer |

| AGL Delivery | Pipeline delivery charges |

| Taxes & Fees | Various regulatory charges |

Key Points

Deregulated market: You choose your marketer
AGL charges pass through: Same regardless of marketer
Shop annually: Rates change, so compare regularly

When to Use Gas vs. Electricity

Understanding when each fuel makes sense can help you optimize costs:

Natural Gas Advantages

Heating: Gas furnaces are typically cheaper to operate than electric heat pumps in very cold weather
Water heating: Gas water heaters have lower operating costs
Cooking: Many prefer gas ranges for cooking control
Drying: Gas dryers are often more efficient

Electricity Advantages

Cooling: AC is the only practical option
Mild heating: Heat pumps are efficient in moderate temperatures
Convenience: No pilot lights, no combustion
Solar potential: Can offset with rooftop solar

Hybrid Approach

Many Georgia homes use:

Gas: Furnace, water heater, range, dryer
Electric: AC, lighting, appliances, electronics

Cost Comparison: Gas vs. Electric

Heating Example (Winter Month)

Gas Furnace (80% efficiency):

100 therms × $1.00/therm = $100
Plus AGL delivery: ~$25
Total: ~$125

Electric Heat Pump (COP 3.0):

1,000 kWh × $0.12/kWh = $120
Total: ~$120

*Note: Actual costs vary based on rates, efficiency, and weather.*

Water Heating Example (Monthly)

Gas Water Heater:

15 therms × $1.00/therm = $15
Plus delivery portion: ~$5
Total: ~$20

Electric Water Heater:

400 kWh × $0.12/kWh = $48
Total: ~$48

Heat Pump Water Heater:

150 kWh × $0.12/kWh = $18
Total: ~$18

Tips for Managing Both Bills

For Georgia Power

Choose the right rate plan for your usage pattern
Improve efficiency to reduce kWh consumption
Use Georgia Power programs (rebates, assessments)
Monitor usage through the online portal

For Natural Gas

Shop for gas marketers annually
Consider fixed-rate plans for budget predictability
Maintain gas appliances for efficiency
Seal air leaks to reduce heating needs

For Both

Understand your bills to catch errors
Set up autopay to avoid late fees
Use budget billing for predictable payments
Invest in efficiency improvements

Emergency Contacts

Georgia Power

Outages: 1-888-891-0938
Customer Service: 1-888-660-5890