Crisp Co. Power Commission holds public meeting to address residents’ concerns of rising electric bills

CORDELE, Ga. – The Crisp County Power Commission recently held a public meeting to address residents’ concerns over rising power bills.

The meeting included a wide range of discussions between the commission board and the community. Tensions ran high as several residents raised their voices, clearly frustrated by the financial strain the rate hikes are causing.

“I worry about the small businesses here and this rate increases as me and others thinking of relocating,” said a Cordele resident.

“And, you’re telling me that knowing that these increases were coming, with the Facebook post that you put out saying that this was going to come and how this is feasible, not to mention that I haven’t seen any way that this is an asset to the community except for a bill,” said a Cordele resident.

“There are people right now who are trying to figure out where they are going to come up with the money to pay the bill; because they have exhausted what they thought they could have had. And, all the programs that they thought they could use to help, they are not available,” said a Cordele resident.

In response to claims that commissioners are profiting from the rising costs, Crisp County Power Commission Chairman, Alissa Wilkerson, set the record straight.

“We are not salaried employees. We do not get benefits. We do not get insurance. We get $100 a month that is taxed. So, there you go. That’s the only thing we get,” said Alissa Wilkerson, Crisp Co. Power Commission Chairman.

Commissioner William Edwards emphasized that the decision was made after thorough research, not on a whim.

“They came to us in November’s meeting. Presented the findings. It was all about rate studies, studies about how much power you sell and how much power you’re buying, what you are buying and selling the power for. We were losing money, month after month after month, and they saw that. Somebody who said it was a knee jerk, last minute decision. This was not easy for any of us. It was a decision that had to be made to sustain,” said William Edwards, Crisp Co. Power Commissioner.

Chris Hewitt, General Manager of the Crisp County Power Commission, elaborated on Commissioner Edward’s statement, explaining how the rate hike was planned as part of a larger, long-term strategy.

“That’s why when he is saying our operating revenue was $8.5 million below is because we had those operating reserves to smooth it out. So, you didn’t get a 20 something percent rate increase. We were able to keep it four, five and six. The problem is, everything culminated together and now it’s come to the point where you have no funds to be able to do that. What he’s speaking to was a five year plan. Yes, it was a hard pill to swallow the first year. But, in the next four years, we probably won’t have to raise the rate at all. So, I mean, if you spread 26% out over five years, what does that come out to be?” said Chris Hewitt, General Manager, Crisp Co. Power Commission.

With emotions running high and residents still seeking answers, the discussion on how to balance fair rates and community needs is far from over.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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