How do we rate?
For its reliable, affordable electricity to power homes, Georgia is the envy of the nation, says David Gattie, an energy policy expert with the University of Georgia’s Center for International Trade and Security.
“People in the power sector admire Georgia,” he added. “We’re what everybody else wants to be.”
Georgia electric power suppliers consistently have the lowest retail residential rates among the eight states with the highest gross domestic product (GDP) — a measure of economic activity. The GDPs of these states constitute 50% of total U.S. GDP.
“We got ‘em all beat on rates,” Gattie said.
But rates alone aren’t the only impressive measure, he emphasizes. Georgia is the only state in the country that is keeping residential electric rates below the national average while simultaneously:
- prioritizing and maintaining grid reliability. “In Georgia, energy reliability and grid security is a team sport — it’s prioritized by everyone in the state’s energy sector.”
- reducing carbon emissions by offsetting a reduction in coal with natural gas, nuclear and renewables to generate electricity. “The foresight to invest in and build the new Vogtle nuclear reactors has given us a strategic asset that will provide for future generations. Every other state is saying they wished they had these new reactors right now.”
This trifecta of energy sector traits adds up to a better quality of life for residents and provides a core competitive advantage for Georgia’s future economic growth, Gattie summarized.