ATLANTA — Georgia residents facing the possibility of having their electricity disconnected during this week's extreme heat may have temporary protection under state regulations, the Georgia Public Service Commission reminded customers this week.
The protections apply only while a National Weather Service heat advisory or excessive heat warning is in effect or forecast before 8 a.m. on the day a residential customer's electric service is scheduled to be disconnected. During that period, Georgia Power cannot disconnect residential service for nonpayment under PSC rules. The commission encouraged customers who are struggling to pay their bills to contact their utility as soon as possible to arrange payment plans and avoid future service interruptions.
The seasonal restriction is outlined in PSC Rule 515-3-2-.04(02), which governs residential electric disconnections during periods of dangerous heat. The rule applies only to Georgia Power, the state's investor-owned electric utility regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Electric Membership Corporations and municipal electric systems are not subject to the same PSC regulation, although they may have similar policies. The commission recommends customers served by those utilities contact their provider directly if they face a possible disconnection during a heat event.
The PSC emphasized that the restriction is temporary. Once the National Weather Service heat advisory or excessive heat warning expires, Georgia Power may resume the scheduled disconnection if the customer's account remains delinquent.
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