Georgia Power introduces SurgeDefender™
Surge protection program helps prevent costly damage to household appliances

ATLANTA, May 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has launched its new SurgeDefender™ program – an easy way for customers to protect motor-driven household appliances and help prevent costly repairs due to power surges. With SurgeDefender, a state-of-the-art surge protection device is installed at the Georgia Power meter, providing protection for single-family homes, duplexes, condos and townhomes. The optional service is available for a flat fee of $9.95 per month added to the customer's Georgia Power bill after free installation.  

Georgia Power logo. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

Enrolling in the program is easy at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Surge or by calling 877-881-6560. Once enrollment is confirmed and an appointment is scheduled, SurgeDefender installation typically takes less than 30 minutes and homeowners usually don't need to be present.

"SurgeDefender is the latest example of new products and services we're developing to better meet the needs of our customers while also enhancing reliability and providing peace of mind," said Michael Shepherd, product manager for the SurgeDefender program. "When severe weather strikes, customers enrolled in the program can rest assured that appliances, which are significant financial investments in the home, are protected." 

Lightning strikes are one of the most common causes of power surges, sending a sudden spike in electrical current through the electrical meter and home wiring. A single lightning strike can create a power surge strong enough to cause irreparable damage to appliances such as the washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, HVAC system and more. Georgia ranks as one of the highest states nationally for lightning-related insurance claims.

Georgia Power works every day to ensure high reliability and, when severe weather causes power outages, restore service as quickly and safely as possible. In addition to considering SurgeDefender protection, the company encourages customers to be prepared for storms by visiting its online Outage & Storm Center at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm. Within the site, customers can sign up for free personalized Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. The website also houses the company's interactive Outage Map which provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.  

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

SOURCE Georgia Power

For further information: Georgia Power Media Relations, (404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696, www.georgiapower.com