The Watcher
  News from Georgia Watch
December 2017
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Happy Holidays from Georgia Watch!
As we prepare to spend joyful time with family and friends this holiday season, we are mindful of all the people we've worked with and on behalf of throughout the year. We are proud of our accomplishments protecting consumers from predatory lending, helping people access affordable healthcare, working to keep utility bills low and promoting access to civil justice. 

On behalf of the Georgia Watch team, I thank you for your support this year. We all look forward to our continued partnership with you in 2018 and we pledge to remain a powerful voice ensuring equity and justice for all Georgia consumers.

We wish you happy holidays and good health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year! 
Liz Coyle,
Executive Director
Commission suddenly changes course, rushes Vogtle decision!
During hearings this week, Georgia Public Service Commission Chair Stan Wise announced his decision to move the Commissioners' vote on Georgia Power Company's request for a blank check to complete Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 to December 21. Ostensibly, this sudden change to the hearing and decision schedule was made to save ratepayers $150 million if the project is cancelled before 2018, when possible changes to the tax code could kick in. Given the billions at stake, the sudden change seems motivated by more than a relatively small potential savings. Without question, Georgia's energy consumers are at risk! Stay tuned as Georgia Watch continues our work to protect Georgia residential electric customers all across the State from footing the bill for Georgia Power's mismanagement of this grotesquely over-budget boondoggle.
Georgia Financial Protection Coalition Launches
Dangerous financial products, like payday and title pawn loans, can easily ensnare people in a cycle of debt, destroying their credit and making the road to financial security a rough and lengthy one. In response to recent legislation at the state and federal levels that would widen the doors in Georgia for these predatory products, Georgia Watch is launching the Georgia Financial Protection Coalition . This will be a virtual statewide network of service providers and advocates who want to share information and protect consumers. With involved partners, we also plan to develop a proactive policy agenda to advocate for safe financial products and industry practices that will create a fairer marketplace in Georgia. We are grateful to the Center for Responsible Lending for the funding to build and convene this coalition. If your organization is interested in joining, please email Trey Cason here .  
Energy Equity Webinar in January
Energy Efficiency for All-Georgia and Georgia Watch recently developed  Keeping the Lights On, a consumer guide and policy paper about how to expand access to energy efficiency and community solar for all Georgians. Building upon the guide, we are hosting a webinar discussing some of its key elements and what advocates, policymakers, and community members can do today to tap into the benefits of these exciting new technologies.

During this webinar, you will learn about the following:

  • Energy equity and the energy burden in Georgia
  • Simple energy efficiency measures
  • Benefits of energy efficiency and community solar
  • How to expand access to these clean energy solutions for low-income Georgians

Click here to learn more and register now!
In the News
Georgia Watch
55 Marietta Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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