For the 12th year in a row, Georgia has been recognized as the nation's top state for doing business . A lot goes into earning that recognition, starting with smart policy choices and strong investment from the ground up.
Georgia’s competitive edge is a result of choices that leaders across the state have made to help businesses operate and grow, particularly in the energy sector. When policymakers prioritize reliability, affordability, and energy choice, businesses can expand and invest with confidence. At the same time, consumers, including 2 million natural gas customers , have the freedom to choose what works best for their needs and budgets.
Energy Choice: Part of Georgia’s Competitive Edge
People want options. For homeowners and business leaders, they’re vital. American homeowners value access to natural gas, with only 31% preferring a home in which all major appliances are powered by electricity.
And for businesses across Georgia, natural gas is a key part of ensuring the reliable operations and predictable costs that make growth possible. That’s a big reason why our association supported a preemptive ban on natural gas bans alongside Georgia policymakers. This measure went into law in May 2021 and ensures local governments can’t prohibit natural gas service or infrastructure. In 2023, we supported a similar Georgia Senate bill in 2023 that extended this prohibition to certain natural gas appliances, including leaf blowers — preserving energy choice for customers statewide.
These policies make it easier for businesses and consumers to access the energy source that works best for them, both now and into the future. In fact, natural gas prices are projected to be 30–50% lower than other fuels through 2050. For Georgia’s businesses, that means affordable energy today and predictable costs that incentivize investment over the long-term. We’re proud to see this hard work successfully help protect energy choice within our state and the infrastructure that makes it possible.
Efficiency and Delivery Mean Big Savings
Georgia’s energy network includes nearly 50,000 miles of underground natural gas pipelines. This overall delivery system is more efficient than electricity, which means less energy is lost between where it’s produced and where it’s used. Especially for businesses operating on tight margins, this efficiency advantage reduces operating expenses, positively impacting hiring, expansion, pricing, and investment over the long term.
On top of that, the industry’s commitment to efficiency is only growing. Natural gas utilities nationwide invest $4.1 million per day into energy efficiency programs. These investments translate into real value for customers, enabling Georgia’s businesses to benefit from lower energy usage and reduced energy bills.
Growth Across Industries
Economic growth across Georgia is driven by industries that rely on consistent energy, and natural gas plays a key role across the board:
Manufacturing : Natural gas helps support efficient, secure, and competitive production as energy demand rises.
Healthcare : It powers critical services, day-to-day operations, and facility expansion, all while helping manage operating costs.
Agriculture : Natural gas supports crop cultivation and food production, strengthening supply chains and reducing reliance on imports.
The Bottom Line
Georgia’s top business ranking reflects years of smart decisions — and energy helps maintain our state’s competitive advantage. At the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, we believe that protecting access to efficient, affordable natural gas is crucial to maintaining Georgia’s strong, competitive business environment in 2026 and beyond.
