Georgia Power Company is requesting $470 million for its fuel cost recovery which if approved would result in an increase of approximately 6.8% to the total monthly bill. GPC cites the increase in the cost of coal as the primary reason behind the request. The PSC is expected to reach a decision on March 11^th and any new rates would go into effect on April 1^st.

Due to the drop in coal and natural gas prices along with an increase in hydroelectric production, Alabama Power Company has reduced its rates by approximately 2.1%. The rate reduction follows a 13.35% increase last October and will remain in effect until October 2010.

The NYMEX Settlement for January natural gas prices closed at $5.814/MMBTU. Futures for February and March are at $5.517/MMBTU and $5.490/MMBTU respectively.  The January price is the highest since last January. The average settlement price in 2009 was $3.99/MMBTU.

In the United Kingdom a new method of generating hydro-electric power using mountain streams.  The new method diverts a portion of the streams to small generators that fit into buildings roughly the size of a shed to reduce environmental impact.  Click here to read more.