Georgia has a mix of investor-owned utilities, member-owned cooperatives, and municipal utilities for electricity, plus a deregulated natural gas market. Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect from your utility bills.
| Utility | Rate Range | Median Rate | Customers | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LowestMunicipal Electric Authorities | 9.5–12.5¢/kWh | 11.0¢/kWh | 500,000+ (combined) | Municipal (city-owned) |
Georgia EMCs (Electric Membership Cooperatives) | 10.0–13.5¢/kWh | 11.5¢/kWh | 4.4 million (combined) | Member-owned cooperatives (41 EMCs) |
| 11.0–14.5¢/kWh | 12.8¢/kWh | 2.7 million | Southern Company (investor-owned) |
Georgia's electric market is divided between Georgia Power (investor-owned), 41 Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs), and various municipal utilities. Your electric provider is determined by your address—you cannot choose between them.
EMCs often have lower rates than Georgia Power because they're member-owned and don't need to generate profits for shareholders. However, Georgia Power typically has more resources for infrastructure investment and storm restoration.
Unlike electricity, Georgia's natural gas market is deregulated. Atlanta Gas Light handles delivery (the pipes and meters), but you choose your own gas marketer (supplier). This competitive market allows you to shop for the best rates.
When choosing a gas marketer, compare both the per-therm rate and any monthly fees. Fixed-rate plans provide price stability, while variable rates may be lower in summer but higher in winter.
Compare electricity rates and utility providers across popular Georgia cities. Each city guide includes rate plans, bill breakdowns, and local assistance programs.