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THE WATCHER 

News From Georgia Watch
August 18, 2016
In This Issue
Annual Gala
Georgia Power IRP
How to Background Check Your Doctor
Stop the Debt Trap
Quick Links
Get Updates!
Join Us: Consumer Champion Awards Celebration October 13!
Please plan to join Georgia Watch for our 
on October 13, 2016 


 Sponsorship opportunities are available. 

Contact Liz Coyle at 404-525-1085 or 

lcoyle@georgiawatch.org for more information.
Making Energy Efficiency Available for All
In 2016, Georgia Watch intervened in both the merger between Southern Company and AGL Resources and the Georgia Power Integrated Resource and Demand Side Management (DSM) Plan proceedings before the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). 

As an Intervenor, we worked to ensure the interests of residential customers and especially low-income consumers were reflected in the state's long-range energy plan. As the proceedings concluded in late July, we negotiated a number of benefits for residential ratepayers.

Our hard work led to a significant win for consumers!

How to background check your doctor
Georgia Watch's Health Access Program Director, Beth Stephens joined Dale Cardwell on WGST AM 640 (Trustdale.com) to discuss how to use physician quality information to research physicians to help consumers choose the best doctor for them.

A comprehensive list of patient safety resources for researching your physician and hospital can be found on our website.
Help Georgia Watch 'Stop the Debt Trap'
In Georgia, we have taken action to stop predatory payday lending. By enacting a strong rate cap, consumers are protected from the harms of the typical 300% APR payday loans.  However, even with stringent regulations, the title pawn industry continues seeking ways to weaken protections and target citizens
with their high-cost predatory loans.  The CFPB's proposed new national rule to address the cycle of debt caused by payday lenders and other high-cost, small dollar loans, is a good start, but it must be strengthened.
  
Join us in asking the CFPB to issue a final rule that builds on our state's strong protections and strengthens our ability to combat predatory lending.