Georgia Power customers reached out this year to Georgians in need like never before, contributing more than $1.6 million over the past 10 months to Project SHARE. The amount, unequaled in the company’s history of giving to the program, marks the third consecutive year contributions by Georgia Power and its customers have increased.

Managed by The Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps individuals in the community who are experiencing financial difficulty pay their bills and get back on their feet. Funds collected pay for things such as utility, medical and housing bills.

In September, customers generously donated $91,000 through bill payment and direct donations to Project SHARE. Georgia Power provided a company match of $91,000, for a combined donation to the program of $182,000.

Currently, Georgia Power is the only utility participating in Project SHARE that provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds.

"Georgia Power is committed to being a citizen wherever it serves. By contributing each year to Project SHARE, we’re able to support a worthwhile program that benefits thousands of fellow Georgians experiencing financial hardship,” said David Stewart, Georgia Power`s project manager. “We`re so heartened by the generosity of our customers, who have helped make this a record year for giving to Project SHARE."

Georgia Power customers who would like to contribute to Project SHARE can do so either by making a $1, $2, $5 or $10 donation on their electric bills, by calling Georgia Power`s Customer Call Center at 1-888-660-5890 or by sending their contribution directly to The Salvation Army at: Project SHARE, P.O. Box 8237, Atlanta, GA 30306.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility, serving customers in 57,000 of the state’s 59,000 square miles. Georgia Power’s rates are more than 15 percent below the national average and its 2 million customers are in all but six of Georgia’s 159 counties.