Georgia Renters: How Solar Power Credits Can Lower Your Utility Bills

Many Georgia renters wonder if solar power credits can help reduce their monthly utility costs. If your building uses solar panels or your landlord participates in a solar program, you may be eligible for savings on your utility bills. Understanding your rights under Georgia law can help you take full advantage of these benefits.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Georgia Renters

In Georgia, solar power credits are typically known as 'net metering credits.' These allow renters and landlords with solar panels to receive credit on their electric bill for excess electricity sent to the grid. While landlords often make decisions about installing solar panels, many multi-unit buildings using common utilities may share savings with renters through utility bill reductions or incentives.

Who Is Eligible for Solar Credits?

• If your landlord has installed solar panels and participates in net metering with your local utility (like Georgia Power), the building may generate credits.
• Renters with individual utility meters may be able to benefit directly; those with master meters may benefit through landlord arrangements.
• Check your lease agreement and talk to your landlord to see if any solar savings will be passed along to tenants.

Legal Protections and Lease Agreements

• Georgia’s Landlord-Tenant Act sets basic housing standards but does not require landlords to install solar panels or pass on solar credits to tenants.
• Landlords are required to disclose the nature of your utility billing if it is included in your rent or billed separately (O.C.G.A. § 44-7-14.3).
• Renters should request written clarification in their lease about how utility credits and solar savings will be calculated or shared.

Steps to Access Solar Credits as a Renter

If you believe your building uses solar power or want more information about utility savings, follow these steps:

• Ask your landlord or property manager if solar panels are installed and whether net metering credits are received.
• Review your lease or utility billing addendum to see how savings or credits are passed along. If unclear, request a written explanation.
• Contact your utility provider (such as Georgia Power) to verify if your unit is eligible for net metering benefits and how credits will be shown on your bill.
• If you believe you are owed credits or have a billing issue, you may file a Consumer Complaint Form with the Georgia Public Service Commission (explained below).

Official Forms for Billing or Utility Disputes

• Georgia Public Service Commission Consumer Complaint Form – Use this when you have unresolved utility billing issues, such as if solar credits are not being applied.
  Practical Example: If your landlord claims you are receiving solar savings, but your bill does not reflect these credits, file this form with the Georgia Public Service Commission.
  Georgia PSC Consumer Complaint Form

Which Tribunal Handles Georgia Renter Utility Disputes?

Utility billing concerns are addressed by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), while landlord-tenant disputes related to leases are decided in Georgia Magistrate Court. The PSC oversees regulated public utilities, including utility billing practices and complaints¹.

Relevant Law: Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act

Tenant rights and responsibilities about utilities and billing are found in the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7).²

1. Can my landlord keep all the solar credits, or am I entitled to any savings?
   Landlords decide whether to share solar credits unless specified in your lease. Ask for a rental agreement clause if you want a guarantee.
2. How do I know if my utility bill reflects solar credits?
   Review your electric bill for 'net metering' or other solar credit lines, or contact your utility provider or landlord for clarification.
3. What should I do if my landlord promises lower bills but I do not see any savings?
   Document your conversations, compare utility bills, and submit a Consumer Complaint Form to the Georgia PSC if unresolved.
4. Is there a specific government agency for solar disputes?
   Contact the Georgia Public Service Commission for solar billing or net metering concerns.
5. Are there income-based solar assistance programs for Georgia renters?
   While Georgia does not have a dedicated solar assistance program for renters, you may qualify for energy assistance through LIHEAP.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Public Service Commission Consumer Corner – Utility complaints and guidance
• Georgia Division of Family & Children Services Energy Assistance – Help with utility or energy bills for eligible renters
• Georgia Legal Aid – Free legal support for rental and utility issues
• Georgia.gov: Landlord-Tenant Rights

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1. Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC)
2. Georgia Landlord-Tenant Act (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7)

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