Letter from Bette Holland

I know it has been a while since you have heard from me.  My husband and I  have moved and will close down NGCC around September.  The reason we will remain open now is because there are several things happening that I would like to be able to share with you.  Please share this with neighbors and friends. Please read these three statements and put them on your calendar or contact me if you have questions (404-312-8463).

This email is going to everyone who attended workshops and/or meetings on the Inflation Reduction Act, has heard me talk about IRA Rebates, has been a part of EARTH Day or the North Georgia Conservation Coalition.  I have also included two other items of interest having to do with Energy and the Public Service Commission.

Rebates from the Inflation Reduction Act Approved

This is complicated, but I will try to keep it simple.  When NGCC did our 8 workshops and presentations last year, we talked about the tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and many of you took advantage of them.  We promised that rebates would be coming in November 2024.  After the election and all of Trump’s defunding, we had to wait to see if he would take back the $220M that Georgia had already received.  He will not be able to do that, so the rebates are on.

The rebates will be arranged and paid for by GEFA.  Below is a brief explanation.The rebates are for low-income people (approximately less than $85000 annually) for things like home upgrades (insulation, windows, much more) and appliances (electric stoves, air conditioners, electric hot water heaters & much more. ) Contractors have been hired and if you are interested you will be assigned a contractor.  There will be no upfront money for you because for this income range the rebate is 100% of the cost. (there are some accommodations for renters)For middle-income families, the income is approximately $150,000 or less.  The rebate is 50% of the cost. (Income levels depend on the area of Georgia and family size; GEFA will calculate that for you.  The income amounts I listed are just so you know that you might qualify. You can get the exact income amount based on area of Georgia and # of family members at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2025/select_Geography.odn

If you are interested or you know someone who might be interested, sign up at the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority by going to the link below and filling out the information.  Then look for a workshop to be held in early summer in North Georgia.  They will also be concentrating on these rebates in the Atlanta area.Click here to read more about the rebates and to sign up to get information from Georgia Environmental Finance Association.https://energyrebates.georgia.gov/Again, call or email me if you want to discuss this. I will be sending out information about the workshops this summer later. 

Georgia Power IRP (Integrated Resource Plan) and Actions by the PSC (Public Service Commission)

Georgia Power has submitted its IRP for the next three years.  I have attached a two-page explanation of this document and what it means for you and your family, both in higher bills and dirtier air.

Basically, it calls for the opening of 2 new natural gas plants and keeping 2 coal plants opened that were supposed to close soon.  There is very little increase in solar.  The basic reason for this plan is to provide electricity for the several Data Centers that the state is wooing with promises of tax credits.  However, they require a lot of power and with this plan, we will pay higher bills to accommodate these money-making projects.

Below is a link to a letter you can send to the Public Service Commission to ask them to pushback against this plan from Georgia Power.  You can also contact one of the members of the People’s Power Union (Part of Georgia Conservation Voters) to join in the protests and public speaking at PSC Meetings. (  CiCi Arriaga xiomara@gaconservationvoters.org  )

Letter to fill in your info and write a BRIEF LETTER  why you oppose their plan by clicking on this link.  https://secure.everyaction.com/nKnn6s2-hUmz-g02ic4DOw2

Public Service Commission Election

We have an election this year that is very important.  This year we will finally be able to elect new members of the Public Service Commission.  The PSC is supposed to help regulate Georgia Power and make sure we are paying fair rates for our Power. Environmentalists would like to see them increase our power mix to include more solar. (this year they are adding more gas and coal plants).  Many of us, however, feel that the PSC is just a rubber stamp for Georgia Power’s plans.  We need new leaders in these positions!!!!

On June 17 there will be a statewide election to elect new PSC members for District 2 and District 3. It is important to note that this is a STATEWIDE ELECTION.  That means that you will vote for both districts no matter where you live in Georgia.

I have attached a flyer about the election and about the candidates for both districts.

Also here is a link to a website that explains the election and describes the Democrats who will run. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS IS A STATEWIDE ELECTION AND SO WHEN YOU VOTE YOU MUST FOR THE CANDIDATES IN BOTH DISTRICTS!!

Fulton County resource page:

PSC 2025 Toolkit & Resources - Fulton County Democrats