Compare Utility Providers in Atlanta, GA

Top 11 Internet Providers in Atlanta

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Electric Providers in Atlanta

Best Natural Gas Providers in Atlanta

See Top Plans In Your Area

Water & Sewage Providers in Atlanta

Top 49 Trash and Recycling Providers in Atlanta

Utilities Summary for Atlanta, GA

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	11
Water & Sewage Providers:	2
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	49
Municipal Electricity:	No

The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Utilities in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is a vibrant blend of Southern charm and fast-paced growth. As Georgia’s capital, it operates as a major cultural and business hub with a diverse housing market, from historic bungalows to modern apartments. The city enjoys mild winters and hot, humid summers, which makes efficient, reliable utility services essential.

Electricity in Atlanta

In Atlanta, Georgia Power is the primary electric utility across the city and much of the state. They serve over 2.4 million customers and are part of the Southern Company complex. Known for a dependable grid and a rich hydroelectric legacy, they’ve also expanded into renewables.

Energy-Efficiency Rebates
Georgia Power’s Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) offers generous rebates:

• Heat pump water heaters: 50% off (up to $1,000)
• Smart thermostats: 75% off (up to $200)
• Attic insulation: up to $250
• Duct sealing: up to $300
• LED bulbs, air sealing, EV charger rebates, and more

They also provide free home energy assessments and income-qualified assistance (EASE), offering free upgrades to better homes. As a bonus, Georgia Power invests in its own hydroelectric dams and has a growing green portfolio.

Am I in Georgia Power Territory?

Newcomers often assume “Georgia Power” serves the entire state. In reality, the metro Atlanta area is a patchwork of territories defined by the 1973 Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act.

Unlike the natural gas market, you cannot choose your electric provider. It is determined strictly by your physical address.

The “Donut” Effect

Think of Atlanta’s electric grid like a donut.

• The “Hole” (Urban Core): If you live inside I-285, especially in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur, you are almost certainly served by Georgia Power.
• The “Dough” (Suburbs): As you move into the suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Douglasville), you likely enter the territory of an EMC (Electric Membership Corporation).

The “hidden” difference: EMCs vs. Georgia Power

If you land in an EMC territory, you are often in luck. Here is why the distinction matters:

• Ownership: Georgia Power is a for-profit company traded on the stock market. EMCs are non-profit cooperatives owned by their customers.
• Dividends: Because you are a “member-owner” of an EMC, they often return excess profits to you at the end of the year in the form of “Capital Credits” (bill credits or checks).
• Rate Structures: EMCs are not regulated by the elected Public Service Commission in the same way Georgia Power is. This often allows them to offer more innovative rate structures, such as “Time of Use” plans that are more aggressive than Georgia Power’s standard residential rates.

Who serves my neighborhood?

While boundaries can be messy (sometimes splitting a single street), here is a general guide to the major players in the metro area:

Provider	General Territory
Georgia Power	City of Atlanta, DeKalb County, parts of Fulton/Gwinnett/Clayton
Cobb EMC	Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, parts of Sandy Springs
Sawnee EMC	Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Forsyth County
Jackson EMC	Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Gwinnett/Hall Counties
GreyStone Power	Douglasville, Lithia Springs, Paulding County
Snapping Shoals	Conyers, McDonough, Stockbridge, Henry/Rockdale Counties
Walton EMC	Monroe, Snellville, Loganville

Natural Gas in Atlanta

Atlanta’s natural gas is regulated by Atlanta Gas Light (AGL), which owns and operates the distribution network. Since deregulation in 1998, you are required to choose your gas supplier (known as a retail natural gas provider or RNGP) while the natural gas is still delivered using AGL infrastructure.

How Atlanta’s Gas Market Works

Because Georgia is a deregulated gas market, understanding your bill can be confusing. It helps to view the system as a partnership between two different entities: the infrastructure owner and the retail provider.

Think of the natural gas system like a highway.

• AGL (Atlanta Gas Light) is the “Road”: They own the pipes, maintain the meters, and fix gas leaks. You cannot choose them; they are assigned based on where you live. Just as a toll road charges you for driving on it regardless of which car you drive, AGL charges for the use of their infrastructure.
• The Marketer is the “Car”: Companies like Gas South, SCANA, or Constellation are the vehicles you choose to travel on that road. They buy the gas, set your price per therm, and handle your customer service. You can switch “cars” whenever you want, but you will always be driving on the “road” owned by AGL.

The AGL Pass-Through Charge

A common point of confusion for new Atlanta residents is the “AGL Pass-Through Charge” found on every bill.

• It is not a junk fee: This is the base cost for delivering gas to your home, set by the state regulators, not your marketer.
• It is unavoidable: No matter which marketer you switch to, this charge will remain roughly the same (approx. $25–$35/month depending on the season).
• Why it matters: When comparing prices, focus on the “Price per Therm” offered by the marketers. The Pass-Through charge is a constant that you cannot negotiate.

The Marketer Landscape: Profiles Over Price

While many providers compete on price, they often serve different types of customers. Looking beyond the rate table can help you find the right fit:

• The “Safety Net” Provider (SCANA Energy): SCANA is Georgia’s official “Regulated Provider.” This means they are the government-designated option for consumers with little credit history or low credit scores who might be denied service by other companies.
• The “Predictable” Provider (Gas South & GNG): Providers like Gas South are famous for “Flat Bill” or “Guaranteed Bill” offers. These plans look at your historical usage and give you a set monthly price that doesn’t change, regardless of weather spikes. You may pay a slight premium for the certainty, but you avoid winter bill shock.
• The “Price Fighter” Providers (Constellation, Xoom): These companies often focus purely on the lowest rate per therm. They are excellent for savvy shoppers who have good credit and don’t mind monitoring their contract expiration dates to switch again for the best deal.

Top 5 Natural Gas Providers in Atlanta

#1 Constellation: Constellation keeps a steady edge by pairing competitive fixed rates with straightforward fees and consistently low complaint activity. Their Georgia plan pages emphasize simple fixed-rate offers with no sign-up fee, and recent PSC “apples-to-apples” pricing continues to place them among the most affordable mainstream options for common terms. In the PSC’s most recent monthly scorecard (including October), Constellation remained at the low end of complaint contacts, reinforcing the “set-it-and-forget-it” appeal for most homes.

Why they’re here: Strong across the board, price, fee transparency, and a calm complaint profile, without relying on teaser gimmicks. For shoppers who want predictable billing and minimal friction, Constellation is a consistently safe pick.

#2 XOOM Energy: XOOM frequently posts headline-leading fixed rates and carries one of the lowest monthly service charges, which together drive excellent value in current comparisons. Recent complaint tallies have been low as well. Do review plan variants (ETFs, rewards/charity tie-ins) and save the disclosure you choose.

Why they’re here: Consistently compelling price-to-fee story with clean recent scorecards, just make sure the specific plan terms fit your style.

#3 SCANA Energy: SCANA SCANA offers solid fixed options across several terms and maintains low complaint totals. They also operate Georgia’s Regulated Provider program, ensuring access and regulated rates for low-income or credit-challenged customers, something no other marketer here provides.

Why they’re here: Reliable performance and an unmatched access backstop, even when they’re not the absolute cheapest headline rate.

#4 Gas South: Gas South Gas South’s customer experience and plan breadth (including a flat-bill style option) make them a comfortable choice. Pricing is typically competitive if not always the very lowest, and fees/ETFs are clearly described.

Why they’re here: A balanced, transparent option with strong service reputation, ideal if you prioritize simplicity over chasing the month’s rock-bottom teaser.

#5 Georgia Natural Gas: Georgia Natural Gas (GNG)‘s well-known flat-bill style plan (Guaranteed Bill℠) offers predictable budgeting, and they sometimes offset switch costs with ETF credits. In standard fixed-rate apples-to-apples comparisons, they’re often a bit pricier and have recently shown higher contact totals.

Why they’re here: Big-brand convenience and creative billing, tempered by less aggressive fixed-rate pricing and a busier complaint footprint.

Why You Can Trust This Ranking

We scored 5 Atlanta gas marketers (Constellation, Gas South, SCANA Energy, Georgia Natural Gas, XOOM Energy) across 6 factors (price, fees, reliability/complaints, plan breadth, BBB trust signals, and customer sentiment). Our analysis is grounded in primary, public sources we check regularly: the Georgia PSC Gas Marketer Scorecard for recent complaint counts and the PSC Pricing Comparison for apples-to-apples rates and fees, plus each company’s plan disclosures/T&Cs and BBB profiles. For real-world experience, we also reviewed a dozen+ Atlanta/Georgia discussion threads comparing these exact marketers. We don’t sell placement; editorial weights and scores are independent, and we timestamp updates so you know when data was last refreshed. See our full methodology for natural gas providers.

Tips for choosing a gas supplier

1. Compare fixed vs. variable rates, fixed protects on price stability, variable may drop but can spike.
2. Look for green or renewable natural gas options.
3. Review plan terms: length, early termination fees, customer reviews.

Water in Atlanta

Water service is the most fragmented utility in the metro area. Unlike power or gas, your provider is strictly tied to municipal boundaries. This creates significant confusion because thousands of residents have an “Atlanta” postal address but do not live within the actual City of Atlanta limits.

The Atlanta vs. Fulton County Divide

The most common mistake residents make is assuming that because they live in Fulton County, they use Fulton County water.

• City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management: You must use this provider if you live strictly inside the city limits.
• Fulton County Department of Water Resources: This provider serves “North Fulton” (places like Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek) and “South Fulton,” but not the City of Atlanta itself.

Water Service Locator

To avoid rejection, check your location before applying:

• If you pay taxes to the City of Atlanta: Apply with the [Department of Watershed Management].
• If you live in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, or Milton: You are likely served by the [Fulton County Department of Water Resources].
• If you live in Decatur or Brookhaven: You likely fall under DeKalb County (see below).

DeKalb County: The “Low-Flow” Requirement

If your home falls within DeKalb County (even if your address says Atlanta), there is a hyper-specific hurdle you must clear.

• Certificate of Compliance: You cannot establish new water service in DeKalb County without submitting a certificate proving your home has low-flow plumbing fixtures (toilets, showerheads, faucets).
• Why this matters: If you are buying an older home (pre-1993), you may need to replace toilets before the county will turn on your water. Ensure your seller provides this certificate at closing.

Document Checklist for Setup

Water utilities in Georgia are strict about proof of residency to prevent fraud. Having these ready will save you a trip to the office:

• Settlement Statement (HUD-1) or Closing Disclosure: Required for homeowners. Fulton County is notorious for demanding the full document, not just the signature page.
• Lease Agreement: Required for renters. It must be signed by both you and the landlord.
• Government ID: Must match the name on the lease or deed.

Trash and Recycling in Atlanta

Just like water, your trash service depends entirely on your municipal boundary. The rules for what you can recycle, and who picks it up, change completely if you cross the street from the City of Atlanta into DeKalb or unincorporated Fulton County.

1. If You Live in the City of Atlanta

The City operates its own Department of Public Works. If you see the city seal on your bin, here is what you need to know:

• The “Magic” App: Download the Atlanta Solid Waste Services app (iOS/Android). It is surprisingly good. You can look up your schedule, set push notification reminders for pickup day (so you never miss it), and use the “Waste Wizard” to search any item and see if it’s recyclable.
• Recycling Wins: Unlike many suburbs, Glass IS accepted in your blue curbside bin.
• The “Paper Bag” Rule: The city is strict about yard waste. You must use biodegradable paper bags for leaves and grass clippings. If you use plastic bags, they will not pick them up, and you may be cited.
• Bulk Pickup: You get 12 free scheduled bulk pickups a year (mattresses, furniture). You must schedule these in advance via the app or 311. If you just leave a sofa on the curb without scheduling, you risk a fine from the SWEET team (Solid Waste Education & Enforcement Team).

2. The DeKalb County Trap (Decatur/Brookhaven/Emory)

If your tax bill says DeKalb County, your rules are different, even if your address says “Atlanta.”

• The Glass Difference: DeKalb County does NOT accept glass in curbside bins. Putting glass in your single-stream recycling is considered contamination. You must drive your glass to a county-designated drop-off container.
• The Provider: You generally don’t have a choice; service is provided by the DeKalb Sanitation Division.

3. North Fulton & The Suburbs

If you live in Sandy Springs, Roswell, or unincorporated Fulton County, you likely won’t have a government truck.

• Private Subscription: You may need to contract directly with a private hauler like Waste Management or Red Oak Sanitation.
• The Cost: While City of Atlanta residents pay for trash via their property taxes, private subscription residents receive a quarterly bill directly from the hauler.

Insider Tip: The “CHaRM” Center

For everything that doesn’t fit in the bin, there is CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) located at 1110 Hill St SE.

• What they take: Paint, electronics, styrofoam, tires, and even old mattresses (for a small fee).
• Why it matters: This is the only responsible way to dispose of hazardous household waste in the metro area. It is a favorite resource for eco-conscious locals.

Top Internet Providers in Atlanta

Metro Atlanta is officially one of America’s most wired cities, boasting extensive fiber-optic infrastructure.

1. AT&T Fiber: Offers up to 5 Gbps in many areas, covering over 75% of the city. Plans include no contracts or equipment fees with strong speed and reliability.
2. Xfinity: Nearly 99% of the city has access to Xfinity. Offering cable with top speeds up to 2 Gbps.
3. Google Fiber: Offering pure fiber up to 2 Gbps with no data caps or price hikes. Frequently awarded for customer satisfaction. Availability is still pretty limited, but expanding quickly.
4. T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet: Both offer home internet over their 5G network, with speeds usually 100-415 Mbps; good backup or rural alternatives.

Tips & Insights

• Fiber is best for high-demand households (streaming, gaming, uploads).
• Cable suits most families, offering fast speeds and wide coverage.
• 5G / fixed wireless is easy to install and moves with you.
• For in‑home Wi‑Fi coverage, mesh systems like Eero or Google Wi‑Fi work wonders.

Conservation & Green Energy

Atlanta has strong incentives to help residents conserve energy and go green:

• Use smart thermostats and LEDs, rebates save money and the planet.
• Georgia Power’s HEIP promotes efficiency via insulation, duct‑sealing, and water‑heaters.
• Federal tax credits stack with utility rebates for upgrades like geothermal heat pumps and solar.
• Many gas providers offer renewable natural gas options.
• If you install solar, ask Georgia Power about net metering and interconnection, plus state incentives.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Atlanta

If you’re worried about paying your utility bills in Atlanta, you’re not alone, and thankfully, there are several programs that can help. Whether you need help with electricity, natural gas, water, or internet service, the city and state offer a variety of financial assistance options through utility providers, nonprofits, and government programs. Some programs are geared toward low-income households, seniors, or those experiencing a temporary crisis, while others are open to any resident who qualifies based on need.

Electric Bill Help (Georgia Power Customers)

Georgia Power offers several programs to help reduce your bill or avoid disconnection:

• Income-Qualified Discount: $33.50 off monthly for seniors (65+), SSDI/SSI recipients, or those on housing assistance. Apply directly with Georgia Power.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A seasonal grant of $300–$600 for electric or gas bills. Apply through local Community Action Agencies like FACAA or PCA. Opens each winter and summer.
• H.E.A.T. Fund: Emergency heating aid accessed through the LIHEAP application, especially for households facing disconnection.
• Project SHARE (Salvation Army): Up to $500 in one-time utility help during a crisis. Apply via Salvation Army.
• Payment Arrangements: If you’re behind, Georgia Power will often work with you to spread out payments over time.

Natural Gas Assistance (Atlanta Gas Light & Suppliers)

Because natural gas is deregulated in Georgia, assistance applies to both the infrastructure provider (AGL) and your chosen gas marketer:

• LIHEAP & H.E.A.T.: Can be applied to gas heating bills, same application process as for electricity.
• SCANA Regulated Provider Program: Guarantees access to service and lower rates for low-income or credit-challenged customers. Apply year-round through SCANA or a Community Action Agency.
• Senior & Military Discounts: Some gas marketers offer additional discounts for eligible groups, just ask your provider.
• Emergency Aid: Nonprofits like United Way 2-1-1, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches often help pay overdue gas bills during hardship.

Water and Sewer Bill Assistance

Atlanta and its surrounding counties offer several programs to help residents avoid water shutoffs:

• City of Atlanta Care & Conserve Program: Up to $1,000 in water bill assistance plus free plumbing repairs for qualifying low-to-moderate income residents. Apply year-round.
• LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program): Federal help for past-due water bills or credits toward current bills. Apply through your county’s Community Action Agency.
• County-Specific Programs: Many counties (e.g., Clayton, Gwinnett, DeKalb) offer water hardship grants or payment plans through their water departments or nonprofits.

Nonprofit and Emergency Support

When you’re in a financial bind, local organizations can step in:

• United Way 2-1-1: Your go-to resource for referrals to local aid. Call 211 or search online.
• St. Vincent de Paul Georgia: Call 678-892-6163 for help with one-time utility payments.
• Salvation Army & Catholic Charities: Provide crisis assistance for utilities and rent, depending on available funding.
• Local Ministries (e.g., Midtown Assistance Center, Buckhead Christian Ministry): May help with bills depending on ZIP code and situation.

Atlanta Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Atlanta

Atlanta Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.