If Plant Washington, the controversial Power4Georgians proposed coal-fired power plant becomes a reality,Georgiaconsumers would see their electric bills skyrocket 10-20 percent in the first year depending on which electric member cooperative they receive electricity from, as opposed to an expected 2 percent increase in the absence of the plant.

That is the main finding of a new TR Rose Associates study released today by the nonprofit group Georgia Watch. Titled "Power4Georgians Plant Washington Coal-Fired Power Plant: Too High a Price for Consumers," the new report concludes: "If the proposed plant is built, rate increases will no longer be modest. The plant will also cause long-term financial headaches for the electric membership cooperatives and others who sign on to purchase power from Plant Washington."

According to the report, electricity customers inGeorgiawill feel the impact of Plant Washington in the following ways:

• During the first year of operation, the average electric rate increase would be 16 percent, eight times higher than what consumers might normally expec
• In actual dollars (for an average household using 1000 kWh per month) this is an average additional cost of$208.00to the household budget annually. Depending upon where consumers live, the annual increase would range from$165 to $240.
• During the early years of Plant Washington's coal-fired operation consumers can expect at least an additional$50.00annual charge to pay for the cost of new carbon regulations.
• Considering the full impact of future energy regulation, the costs of Plant Washington could raise annual prices by an estimated$258per year for the average household.