The Hampton council has approved city staff’s plan to start negotiations about joining Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power). The city is exploring joining MEAG, if both parties agree, as an alternative to renewing its wholesale-purchase agreement with Central Georgia EMC. That agreement expires in 2027.
Hampton operates its own electric utility department. The city serves over 2,000 residents through Hampton Electricity. They are the only city in Henry County which offers this service.
Hampton joining MEAG Power
The Hampton council has approved to proceed forward with joining MEAG Power. According to City Manager Alex Cohilas, Hampton is the last city in Georgia eligible to join the organization. They have 49 existing members, including Griffin and Jackson. Hampton would be the 50th member. The council approved on January 14 to start negotiations to join.
Cohilas shared a two-fold approach to Hampton joining MEAG. First, it would enable the city to negotiate as a possible energy provider on large customers. Large-energy customers in Georgia, such as industrial or manufacturing sites, can choose their electric provider. The example cited was the new Target distribution center opened last year.
Presently, Hampton buys its power from Central Georgia EMC. Because the city is purchasing its power wholesale then reselling it, CGEMC can offer a better price to prospective large customers. After becoming a member of MEAG, the city could purchase power through the organization.
Secondly, when the existing Central Georgia EMC contract expires in 2027, Hampton could change energy providers to MEAG Power. Cohilas and the city council intend to compare which provider has the better price, ultimately empowering the city to offer the lowest rate for its residents.
Other News from Hampton
In addition, the council approved improvements at McBrayer Park. The project will resurface the basketball court, add a second basketball court and resurface the tennis and pickleball courts. Work should be complete this summer.
Finally, Mayor Ann Tarpley shared the resignation of Councilwoman Sheila Barlow. Barlow resigned effective January 8, 2025. Because there’s less than one year remaining in the term, the council may appoint a successor to serve until December. Tarpley indicated the council would make that appointment in the near future. The seat will be on the November 2025 municipal ballot for the regular four-year term.
Featured image shows an electric substation and transmission lines. stock photo.
