Press Release
Jan. 22, 2026 – Today, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Dr. Alicia Johnson, Savannah elected officials, and clean energy advocates gathered for a press conference calling on Georgia’s congressional delegation to defend federal clean energy and efficiency investments as utility bills continue to rise across the state and the climate crisis continues to threaten communities.
Speakers highlighted how recent federal actions have eliminated or placed at risk programs like Solar for All and Georgia BRIGHT, which were designed to significantly reduce monthly power bills as well as climate pollution. Energy prices have increased by 13% since January 2025, hurting American families and doing little to help them make ends meet. Participants warned that rolling back clean energy and efficiency investments will deepen financial strain for families, and urged federal leaders to protect programs that deliver real savings, public health and climate benefits along with economic stability for Savannah-area communities.
Dr. Alicia Johnson, Public Service Commissioner, focused on the role of clean energy in lowering costs. “Georgians are paying more and more on their utility bills, and that’s squeezing families and small businesses alike,” said Dr. Johnson. “Clean energy and efficiency investments are among the most effective tools we have to bring costs down and expand savings—especially for low-wealth communities. Protecting these programs helps stabilize bills and deliver lasting benefits where they’re needed most right now.”
Alderman Nick Palumbo, Savannah City Council, addressed why climate action matters for Savannah’s economy and local businesses. “In Savannah, the climate crisis isn’t an abstract issue—it means severe flood events, extreme weather, and higher costs that hinder local businesses and city services,” said Alderman Palumbo. “Gutting the tools we rely on is like sticking our heads in the sand—it won’t stop these impacts, it just weakens our ability to prepare and protect our economy from climate change. We need to defend clean energy investments that help keep costs down and keep Savannah open for business.”
Nicole Lee, Owner, Be Smart Home Solutions, highlighted the real, household-level savings from solar and energy efficiency upgrades. “For our communities, this isn’t about politics—it’s about whether your power bill is manageable,” said Nicole Lee. “Programs like Georgia BRIGHT open the door to solar savings for homeowners who’ve been locked out by upfront costs. We’ve seen how solar and weatherization upgrades can lower monthly bills here in Savannah, and it’s exactly that kind of relief that can make a real difference for households trying to stay afloat amid a brutal affordability crisis.
In closing, speakers urged Georgia’s congressional delegation to stop further rollbacks and protect clean energy and efficiency programs that deliver real savings for families, strengthen local economies, and help communities prepare for the costly impacts of climate change.