October 8, 2008

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Power says economic woes are tolling its customers. Georgians are falling behind on utility bill payments.

Spokeswoman Konswello Monroe says there was an 11 percent increase for disconnects for non payments from January to August of this year compared to last year.

The power company cites job loses, higher mortgage payments and raising prices of food and fuel for the increasing number of power disconnects.

The power company refuses to disclose how many of their 2.3 million customers have been disconnected.

Georgia Power has programs to help senior citizens falling behind in payments and advises residents to call to arrange services to avoid being disconnected. Monroe advises residents having financial troubles to call to set up payment arrangements. She also urges they seek the assistance of Project Share.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)