Southern Company, the parent company of Georgia Power, last week reported nearly $1.2 billion in net income for the second quarter of 2026 and more than $2.5 billion in net income during the first six months of the year, even as many Georgia households continue to struggle with rising electricity costs during another hot Georgia summer, when air conditioning is a necessity rather than a luxury.
"Across the Southeast, extraordinary economic development momentum and demand for power continue to create meaningful opportunities for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve,” said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company.
For many Georgia families, however, the company's strong financial performance stands in stark contrast to their own experience. Higher summer bills are the latest chapter in a years-long affordability crisis.
Since 2022, Georgians have been paying an average of $504 more each year on their utility bills, according to an analysis from Southern Environmental Law Center. Georgia Power has raised rates seven times in the past three years, leaving many households struggling to keep up with the cost of keeping the lights on.
At the same time, utility profits have continued to climb. According to an analysis by the Energy & Policy Institute, nearly one quarter of every Georgia Power bill goes directly to company profits. Last year, Southern Company reported $4.7 billion in profits, and CEO Chris Womack received $28.2 million in total compensation.
"This earnings report lays bare what too many Georgia families already know from experience. They're paying more and getting less while corporate profits soar," says Christian E. Dacus, Marketing and Communications Director at Georgia Conservation Voters. "At a moment when utility bills are rising and critical decisions are being made, Southern Company reporting billions in profits highlights the growing disconnect. It's not just about telling the story. It's about making sure families across Georgia are not left paying more while profits continue to rise."
Southern Company said its latest earnings were driven by investments in its regulated utilities, customer growth and usage, equity investments, and lower income taxes. Company leadership also emphasized continued economic growth across the Southeast and its commitment to reliability and long-term planning.
Consumer advocates say the company's financial success stands in sharp contrast to the financial pressures facing Georgia families.
"Georgia households don't need an earnings report to tell them their power is getting harder to afford, they feel it every time the bill arrives," says Kimberly Scott, executive director of Georgia WAND. "Southern Company reports billions — $2.5 billion in just six months — while working families across Georgia keep paying more just to keep the lights on. No community should be a sacrifice zone for someone else's return."
As debates over future rate increases and energy investments continue, advocates say affordability should remain at the center of every decision affecting Georgia's electric customers.
