Jim Burress – WABE (Listen Now) Horror stories keep coming in, of Texas residents lucky enough to keep power during last week’s freak storm, who are now getting five-figure bills. It largely has to do with that state’s unregulated energy market, a...
More infoBetter Call Harry: How accurate is Credit Karma?
Want to hear about how you can protect your credit and keep an eye on your credit report during this unstable time? Liz Coyle discusses this timely issue on Better Call Harry at CBS 46. Watch here.
More infoWTOC Investigates: Pandemic fuels high-interest loan complaints, Georgia ranks No. 4 in the nation
By Jessica Savage – WTOC (watch here) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Consumer advocates warn those who are in a vulnerable financial position to avoid high-interest loans offering fast cash. “It truly is the vehicle these high-cost predatory lenders...
More infoGeorgia Power pushing some customers into new rates; groups concerned
By Matt Kempner – AJC For thousands of Georgia Power customers, it could get more difficult this year to predict how much they’ll have to pay monthly. And their electric bills could rise. At least that’s the warning from several consumer and...
More infoJust 39% of Americans could cover $1K emergency expense, report finds
By JoAnn Merrigan – WSAV (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The physical health of many has been ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s also affecting financial health. According to a new report from Bankrate, only 39 percent of...
More infoGeorgia Power rate plan concerns critics
By Matt Kempner – Atlanta Journal-Constitution For thousands of Georgia Power customers, it could get more difficult next year to predict how much they’ll have to pay monthly. And their electric bills could rise. At least that’s the warning from...
More infoGeorgia Power’s new rate program may raise prices for some residential customers
By David Pendered – Saporta Report Paycheck-to-paycheck workers may be especially vulnerable to higher-than-standard power bills after a new rate program for Georgia Power takes effect Jan. 1, 2021, according to the consumer advocacy group Georgia...
More infoRule to boost fintech companies could topple consumer protections, critics say
By Yamil Berard – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution In 2018, Imo S. Okwu needed a quick infusion of cash in his company, Quantum-Mac, to meet conditions of a contract with the city of Atlanta. The Cobb County engineer couldn’t secure a conventional...
More infoMillions of Americans risk losing power and water as massive, unpaid utility bills pile up
By Tony Romm – Washington Post This Tuesday marked 67 days of darkness for Kenneth Parson. He fell behind on his utility bills in the spring — and his lights went off, and stayed off, starting at the end of July. No power meant no refrigerator, so...
More infoCOVID-19 Stakeholder Interview: Liz Coyle, Georgia Watch
In a COVID-19 Stakeholder Interview, Liz Coyle discusses the numerous challenges consumers are facing in Georgia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising bills, unemployment and utility disconnections. Coyle provides suggestions about how electricity...
More infoGeorgia Power offers new Pay by Day program; reaction from statewide consumer group
By JoAnn Merrigan – WSAV SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – If you are looking for a new payment option for your electricity bill, Georgia Power has a new program called Pay by Day. You pay a flat fee per day and it’s prepaid. Customers set up an account...
More infoPlant Vogtle opponents seeking faster review of cost to customers
By Dave Williams Bureau Chief Capitol Beat News Service – The Griffin Daily News ATLANTA — Georgia energy regulators are expected to vote this week to verify and approve $674 million Georgia Power Co. spent on the Plant Vogtle nuclear expansion...
More info