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This complaint is in reference to Georgia Power constantly adding deposits to struggling consumers. When I moved to this county, I paid a deposit of $140-$145.

I fell behind, so they added another $150.00. (2014) I called Georgia Power to find out why my flat bill was $30.00 more than usual.(January 2015) The representative said another deposit of $30.00 was tacked on to my now two months bill that's currently behind. I told her that if you see people paying their bill, without ever being disconnected, why would they keep adding on a deposit. She said that Georgia Power charges additional deposits on accounts that are two months delinquent.

I asked her why not charge that up front, instead of charging it when consumers are obviously struggling. I am on the Flat Rate, and guess what? If I decide to cancel the flat rate in order to catch up on the bill and put it back on, you can't do that. You have to wait another whole year in order to have the flat rate again, if you cancel it.

How is this helping consumers? So far, Georgia Power has charge me $145.00, $150.00 and now $30.00 in deposits, plus you have to pay the past due and current bill. Basically, the lady told me not to take it personal, it's not just happening to just me. That made me feel real good.

Really? The rep kept telling me it's based on the average bill every month. She told me my average was $168.00 every month. I told her that is including late fees, taxes, state fees, etc.

I told her my bill states my average is less than that. They are averaging my deposit NOT based on my "actual" usage, but with all taxes and fees included. (Of course my average will be higher) How can that be? I thought that they couldn't do that.

I thought that they can only charge me an average based on the actual usage. When I did the research on Georgia Power, I found they had numerous complaints, including with the Better Business Bureau, but, they have an A rating because Georgia Power is smart enough to answer every complaint that comes from the BBB. If they didn't respond, then they would have a D or an F.( Because in order to have an A rating, they have to make an effort in trying to resolve the complaints with the consumers, so they get an A for effort, not an A for treating their customers right. That is what the lady at the BBB told me when I called to find out why they had an A rating.

During surveys, if the representative is nice, willing to help, etc, I give them credit where credit is due. This time the representative seemed agitated because I told her they cannot based my average bill with the taxes and fees included. (Of course this time, I didn't get a survey) Go figure. Before, I forget, they also charge you a late fee.

They don't charge much of a late fee, but, having to pay a past due bill, current bill, late fee, taxes, this fee, that fee, on top of a deposit is quite overwhelming. When I told her why not charge the deposit up front and maybe allow consumers to pay in two or three installments, she answered me and said......It doesn't work like that. I called a resource center, which didn't have any funds and I was told if I have an illness that you require oxygen, a Nebulizer, etc, to go to your doctor and get a letter and have them fax it to Georgia Power and they won't disconnect you. I am not sure how this work, but, if you have a medical illness, call and find out.

By the way, Georgia Power can add the deposit whenever they feel like it. I've heard a lot of good things about Jackson EMC. ( My daughter has it) Next time I move, I am leaving Georgia Power after 30 plus years of being with them, having two accounts with them at one point (my daughter) because they said I was in good standing and qualified for two accounts. Now, I am not in good standing, so they are treating me different.

I am not arguing about paying the bill if I used the electricity . My problem is the same problem the rest of the consumers are having......Constantly adding deposits to struggling consumers and including taxes, late fees, and other fees when they average your monthly usage. Your average usage should only be based on what you actually use. Is there anything the consumers can do about this?

Let's get together and put a stop this this.

The consumers are the ones that are paying Georgia Power and their employees their salaries and we have a voice don't have to accept this treatment. Thumbs down for Georgia Power.

Reason of review: Problems with payment.

Georgia Power Cons: Constant billing of deposit.

Location: Duluth, Georgia

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Guest

Same here... just got hit with 2nd deposit charge.

It's 2nd billing cycle that I paid the bill but not the deposit.

I called "customer service" (they really need to learn what it means) but got nowhere with them

I am planning to file a complaint with the "Public Service Commission"

http://crs.psc.state.ga.us/Consumer/Contact/utilityIndustry.aspx?type=Complaint

I think everyone should file a complaint there. Hopefully if they see enough complaints they will do something about it

Guest

I just got a letter from Georgia Power stating that because of continued delinquencies they will tacking on a $115.00 extra charge (after charging another $150.00 deposit about a year ago). This company is notorious for tacking on extra fees, extra deposits and additional charges to the average struggling consumer.

They know consumers depend on them and have no choice to use another power company. There actions should be deemed unlawful!! I am all for a class action suit against this company!

An attorney needs to step up and have the courage to take on the Georgia Power Company!! Their poor practices need to be revealed to every public consumer!

Guest

Georgia Power is making a lot of money off their customers. I'm being charged a late fee for always being late so they decided to punish me by charging a hundred dollars. I don't get my money until the end of the month because I'm on a fixed income and I can't control when I get my money, this is unfair the way they treat people how can they get away with this practice?

Guest

I haven't got any disconnection until this week. GP sent me a bill $1900.

I am not kidding. My bill is around $600 montly. When i asked them what is the rest of the number, they tried to explain me that number is some type of deposit

And they cut my power today without any warning. I am looking for some type of legal help now.

I paid $700 to open an account.

Now i paid $1200. So basically Georgia power holding my $1900.

Guest

I'm getting the same treatment. Multiple deposit charges.

I say that someone needs to do a class action lawsuit against them because this is a form of big company bullying just like the recent issue with Wells Fargo Bank.

It's unfounded and unfair. If you're paying your bill and not being disconnected, it makes no sense to gouge the already struggling customer!

Guest

I live in Orange Beach, Al., and Baldwin EMC does the same thing to us. Adding extra deposits to struggling consumers is just plain dirty pool.

Kicking people when they are down seems to be the norm these days, unfortunately.

I am ready to fight for change! Where to begin?

Guest

Same issue, charge of additional charge of $150.00 deposit. Single income homes can not afford the extra deposits.

Had called Georgia Power, they stated the new deposit is good for the customers and will be return if to customer after one year of no late payments. Life happens even as a single income family, but this is rediculous.

Guest

I know what you mean, they have done it to me as well, but the bad part about my account is, after they charged me 3 deposits over a six year period averaging over $500 they cant explain where the rest of my deposit is, the rep told me my deposit was only $170 that is some ***. They took over half of my deposit and now trying to make me rebuild it by charging me another $75 deposit because I made a payment arrangement, and paid it on time and they still charging me another deposit. I am so sick of these crooks.

Guest

I agree completely. I have had an account with Georgia for about thirty seven years, I live in a small house by myself, but they raised my rate to $150.00 a month and that has put me in a financial bind.

Now they added another $130.00 fee because I have had a hard time paying my bill. I despise Georgia Power.

Guest

It's bad. I'm actually considering moving outside of their service area!

20 years in the same home, suddenly they charge me $150 - yup I was late, but I paid it plus the late charges.

They say they want to "secure" the account.

Guest

OMG- Same problem here. Every 3 months they want to add $150 and say based on payment history.

Funny thing is as I start to close the gap and get the bill current again they add on another deposit which then makes the bill late again if I cant pay the whole thing.

Its ridiculous and theres no one esle so its just like I have to deal with it! Im so annoyed!!!

Guest

Georgia power sucks

Guest

Thumbs down to a Now non caring company. Trust me you are just a number now.

They used to value their customers. Not anymore.

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