The Georgia Public Service Commission is reviewing the Georgia Power Company request for an increase in its base rates filed with the commission Thursday.

The commission will begin the first round of hearings on the company’s request on Oct. 4, and will issue a decision on the request on Dec. 21.

Georgia law requires the commission to issue a decision on the company’s rate request within 180 days from the date the proposed new rates are filed.

According to the company’s filing, it is requesting an annual increase in its retail rates of $615 million. This request, if approved, would be approximately a $10.88 increase for the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.

The commission decided the last Georgia Power rate request on Dec. 18, 2007.

More information on this issue can be found on the commission Web site, www.psc.state.ga.us, under Docket Number 31958.