Georgia - A National Success Story
Georgia’s regulatory framework supports sustainable economic growth by encouraging investment in reliable, always-on energy and other innovative technologies.
Ranked among the nation’s top 10 energy-producing states, Georgia has achieved growth without costly subsidies or misaligned incentives that shift burdens onto families and businesses. This focus on smart, sustainable energy policies has strengthened environmental stewardship, reduced emissions, and created new economic opportunities across the state.
By prioritizing affordability and reliability, Georgia ensures that the benefits of its energy leadership are shared by all consumers.
How Much Is Your Family Paying For Energy?
Annual Change in Average Residential Electricity Prices (May 2024–May 2025)
Electricity prices don’t rise and fall by chance – they are shaped by the policies and regulations that govern how energy is produced, delivered, and sold in each state. When lawmakers create environments that restrict access to affordable and reliable power, consumers are left to shoulder the cost.
Maine offers a clear example: with numerous policies that discourage investment in traditional energy and restrict consumer choice, the state saw residential electricity prices climb more than 36% in a single year. These kinds of increases don’t just hit monthly bills – they ripple through local economies, raising costs for businesses and straining family budgets.
By comparison, states that pursue balanced, pro-consumer regulatory approaches have created energy markets that provide stability and affordability. Georgia demonstrates this point well: average residential electricity prices there rose just 0.5% – far below the national inflation rate of 3.5%. That means families and businesses in Georgia effectively saw lower relative energy costs even as the price of everyday goods and services climbed nationwide.
These examples show that energy policy has a direct impact on household affordability, economic competitiveness, and community well-being. States that encourage investment, support reliability, and prioritize consumer interests create markets that protect families from price shocks, while restrictive policies drive up costs and limit opportunity.
Georgia’s Regulatory Framework: Stability that Fuels Growth
A Balanced, Predictable Model
Georgia’s energy market is structured around a regulated utility framework. Unlike deregulated markets where energy prices fluctuate wildly with global fuel costs and market speculation, Georgia’s model prioritizes predictability and long-term planning. This stability gives families confidence in their monthly bills and provides businesses with the certainty they need to invest and expand.
Investment in Always-On Power
The framework encourages sustained investment in baseload power sources such as nuclear and natural gas, while also integrating emerging technologies in a measured, cost-effective way. Projects like Plant Vogtle, the nation’s only new nuclear facility, showcase how Georgia’s regulatory model enables large-scale, long-term energy investments that provide clean, reliable power for decades.
Oversight that Protects Consumers
The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) plays a central role in reviewing utility plans, setting fair rates, and ensuring that investments in infrastructure benefit both customers and the broader economy. This oversight has helped keep electricity costs consistently below the national average, making Georgia an attractive location for energy-intensive industries like manufacturing, logistics, and data centers.
Driving Economic Development
By maintaining affordable and reliable energy, Georgia’s regulatory structure has become a key driver of economic development. The certainty of low, predictable energy costs is one of the top factors cited by companies choosing to relocate or expand in the state. From EV manufacturing to advanced logistics hubs, businesses know Georgia’s energy policies create an environment built for growth.