Georgia is Fifth in the Nation for Energy Costs

Georgians pay more in energy costs than any state except for Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, according to a new study by a personal finance website.

WalletHub found that Georgians pay an average of $328 per month in energy bills, the most of any other southern state. The only other southern state that made the top 10 was Mississippi, whose residents pay an average of $323 a month.

In the U.S., energy costs eat between 5 and 22 percent of families’ total after-tax income. WalletHub compared total monthly energy bills in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and then created its ranking based using electricity, natural gas, motor fuel and home heating oil.

Here's how Georgia fared in the rankings (1=Most Expensive; 25=Avg.):

• Avg. Monthly Energy Bill: $328
• 29th – price of electricity
• 10th – electricity consumption per sonsumer
• 10th – price of natural gas
• 29th – natural-gas consumption per consumer
• 10th – motor-fuel consumption per driver

"Georgia is No. 5 on the list because of the demand of energy as it’s hotter in Georgia," said Ashley Stukes, spokesperson for Georgia Power. "WalletHub references the state Georgia, which includes a combination of Georgia Power and all 30 EMC’s that provide energy to its customers.

"Georgia Power serves half of the state and provides rates below the national average," Stukes said. "Our customers are saving approximately $7 per month due to lower fuel rates."

Both Georgia and North Dakota pay $328 a month, but Georgia placed fifth because of its higher monthly electricity and natural gas costs.

The nation's cheapest monthly energy costs are in Washington state, at $218.

Here's the top 10:

1. Connecticut -- $404
2. Massachusetts -- $346
3. Rhode Island -- $338
4. Vermont -- $332
5. Georgia -- $328
6. North Dakota -- $328
7. Maine -- $327
8. New Hampshire -- $325
9. Indiana -- $325
10. Mississippi -- $323