Dear Editor,
As a result of increases in utility rates charged by Georgia Power, rates charged non-business customers are among the nation’s highest. Customers are struggling to pay utility bills. When a bill was filed to prevent Georgia Power from charging customers for the cost of installing new power production to service high energy demand data centers (Senate Bill 34), customers breathed a sigh of relief. State legislators were heeding the public outcry against another increase in utility bills. Our hopes were rewarded when a bi-partisan group of senators on the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee voted to send the bill to the floor for a vote. But, shockingly, our own Senator Frank Ginn voted against reporting the bill out of committee for a vote. Senator Ginn thinks the public should pay the cost of this large investment in power which will only benefit large corporate clients.
I am also concerned that that Senator Ginn received a significant donation ($4500) from Georgia Power. I recognize that the giving and accepting of donations from a company directly affected by actions of the committee on which Senator Ginn serves is perfectly legal. I question, however, whether receiving  a donation in these circumstances is appropriate.
When the bill comes up for a vote by the senate, I hope that Senator Ginn will recognize that his constituents should not be forced to pay for huge investments totally unrelated to the utility service they receive from Georgia Power.
Sincerely,
Conolus Scott
Concerned Madison County citizen
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