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Terms to know

From rate case to rooftop, a glossary for understanding how public service commissions work.

Public Service Commission (PSC): A public agency tasked with regulating utilities. The format of these boards varies by state: some are elected, some are appointed, and their rules and responsibilities differ. In addition to PSCs, they are called a Public Utilities Commission, a Board of Public Utilities, or something similar. In Georgia, the PSC is a five-member elected body that regulates the main electric utility, Georgia Power, as well as natural gas pipelines and telecommunications.

Rate: The price per unit of electricity. As of February 2024, the average retail rate in Georgia is 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. Public utility commissions generally have final approval of these numbers for investor-owned utilities.

Energy affordability: The idea that people should be able to pay for their home electricity use while also paying for other basic living expenses without having to choose.

View the full glossary

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