Understanding Energy Supply in Savannah
Energy supply in Savannah involves several types of providers. Electricity is delivered by Georgia Power in most of the city, while electric membership cooperatives serve some surrounding areas. Georgia's natural gas market is deregulated, meaning customers can choose among certified marketers while Atlanta Gas Light maintains the pipelines. Propane and heating oil suppliers serve homes and businesses without natural gas service.
Understanding these options helps households and businesses control costs, improve reliability, and pursue sustainability goals.
How We Selected These Suppliers
We considered service area, pricing options, customer service, reliability, and renewable energy offerings.
The Top 10 Energy Suppliers in Savannah
1. Georgia Power
Georgia Power provides electricity to most homes and businesses in Savannah. It offers a variety of rate plans, energy efficiency programs, and renewable energy options, along with smart home tools to help customers manage usage.
2. Coastal Electric Cooperative
Coastal Electric Cooperative serves members in Bryan, Liberty, and surrounding counties. As a member-owned cooperative, it focuses on reliable service, community involvement, and returning capital credits to members.
3. Canoochee EMC
Canoochee Electric Membership Corporation serves rural areas west of Savannah. Its member-focused approach and local service make it a trusted provider for residents in fast-growing inland communities.
4. Gas South
Gas South is one of Georgia's largest natural gas marketers, offering competitive fixed and variable rate plans. Its community giving programs and customer service have earned strong loyalty.
5. SCANA Energy
SCANA Energy provides natural gas service with a range of pricing plans. It is known for reliable customer support and programs that help customers manage their bills.
6. Georgia Natural Gas
Georgia Natural Gas offers residential and commercial natural gas plans, including fixed-rate options that provide price stability. Its long history in the market makes it a trusted choice.
7. Infinite Energy
Infinite Energy provides natural gas service with flexible plans and a customer-first approach. Its transparent pricing appeals to households comparing options.
8. Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light maintains the natural gas distribution network in Savannah. While customers purchase gas from marketers, AGL is responsible for safety, maintenance, and service connections.
9. Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane delivers propane to homes and businesses throughout the region. Its services include tank installation, automatic delivery, and equipment maintenance.
10. AmeriGas
AmeriGas is one of the largest propane suppliers in the United States. It serves Savannah customers with residential delivery, commercial fuel, and cylinder exchange services.
Energy Supply Trends
Demand for electricity is increasing in the Savannah region due to manufacturing growth and population expansion. Utilities are investing in grid resilience to withstand hurricanes and severe weather. Renewable energy programs are expanding, giving customers more options. Smart meters and digital tools are helping customers track and reduce usage.
Tips for Choosing an Energy Supplier
For natural gas, compare marketer rates, contract lengths, and fees. Consider fixed-rate plans for budget stability or variable plans for flexibility. For electricity, explore rate plans and efficiency programs. Businesses should evaluate demand charges, time-of-use rates, and renewable options.
Saving Energy in Savannah's Climate
Savannah's hot and humid summers make air conditioning the largest energy expense for most homes. Upgrading insulation, sealing ducts, installing smart thermostats, and maintaining HVAC systems can significantly reduce costs. Many utilities offer rebates for efficiency improvements.
Practical Ways to Lower Energy Costs
Beyond choosing the right supplier, homeowners and businesses can reduce bills by scheduling HVAC maintenance, sealing ducts, upgrading insulation, and installing smart thermostats. Many utilities offer free or low-cost energy audits that identify the biggest savings opportunities.
Commercial customers should also review demand charges and consider shifting heavy equipment use to off-peak hours where rate structures allow.
Conclusion
Savannah residents and businesses have multiple energy options. The suppliers on this list provide reliable electricity, natural gas, and propane service, helping customers power their lives efficiently and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my electricity provider in Savannah?
Electricity in Georgia is not deregulated for most residential customers, so your provider depends on your location. Most city residents are served by Georgia Power, while some surrounding areas are served by electric membership cooperatives.
Why can I choose my natural gas marketer?
Georgia deregulated natural gas sales, allowing customers served by Atlanta Gas Light's network to choose among certified marketers. The pipeline company still handles delivery and safety, while marketers set prices and manage billing.
What is the difference between fixed and variable gas rates?
Fixed rates remain the same for a contract term, providing budget stability. Variable rates can change monthly based on market conditions, which may offer savings when prices fall but can increase costs when prices rise.
How can businesses lower energy costs?
Businesses can audit energy use, upgrade lighting and HVAC equipment, shift usage to off-peak periods, review rate plans with their utility, and consider solar or battery storage to reduce demand charges.
What should I do before hurricane season?
Keep utility contact information handy, sign up for outage alerts, and consider backup power options such as generators or batteries. Propane customers should ensure tanks are filled and properly secured before storms arrive.