Coinciding with the upcoming election for the regulatory body and the arrival of winter, energy credit plans have been launched to help pay electricity and gas bills in Georgia. With gas prices continuing to rise and winter practically upon us, seniors can turn to public assistance for financial help to meet these expenses. The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced that the credits will appear on bills starting in November and will continue until the fund, which is part of a $5 million package, is exhausted. The Atlanta Gas Light Senior Citizen Discount will receive $2.5 million, which will go to nearly 13,000 seniors in one-time credits of $194.
The nonprofit organization Hopeworks will receive $2 million to repair and replace gas furnaces and water heaters. The Salvation Army’s Utility Assistance Program will receive the remaining $500,000 to expand its support network. Fitz Johnson, the vice president of Georgia, defended the need to offer this type of assistance. The beneficiaries of these energy credits will be seniors over 65 with household incomes below $31,300, and they will see the difference in their bills starting this November, 2025.
Winter arrives in Georgia
With the arrival of winter comes an increase in gas bills. The need to turn on heaters and water heaters at home causes bills to skyrocket, and many families are unable to cope with this new expense. That is why Georgia has been operating the Universal Service Fund since 2000, which has released more than $96 million to help residents with these expenses. This year, $5 million in aid has been distributed to help with the same cause.
Energy credits
The assistance that Georgia residents will receive is part of a $5 million package that has been distributed as follows:
- Atlanta Gas Light Senior Citizen Discount Program. It will receive $2.5 million, which will go to nearly 13,000 seniors in one-time credits of $194. To qualify, applicants must be over 65 and have a household income of less than $31,300 per year.
- Hopeworks. This nonprofit organization, which replaces and repairs gas furnaces and water heaters throughout the state of Georgia, will receive $2 million.
- Salvation Army Utility Assistance Program. It will receive the remaining $500,000 to expand its support network for the 2025 winter season.
Details of this assistance program
This motion was proposed by Fitz Johnson, the vice president, who stated, “Everyone understands that energy costs have been rising. With the winter heating season approaching, it is prudent to provide this funding to support low-income seniors and other gas customers who need help with their bills”.
According to the commission, eligible individuals will only need to apply once, and the credit will automatically appear on their bills. It will consist of a lump sum payment of $194 that will be transferred each month until the total amount is exhausted.
Alternatives to heating
There is no doubt that this type of public assistance is essential and necessary to alleviate a situation that affects thousands of American households. It is the job of the relevant authorities to ensure that all citizens have access to basic services, including being able to pay their bills, especially when the numbers go up. However, several brands have introduced battery-powered products in their catalogs that can be used to keep them warm in winter without having to plug in the heating. One of them is Walmart, which has included everything from electric blankets to glove warmers.