Georgia PSC Election Heats Up Amid Rising Utility Bill Frustration
UPDATE: As frustration over soaring utility bills escalates, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) election is drawing unprecedented voter attention ahead of the crucial vote on November 4, 2023. With two commission seats on the line, energy justice advocates urge Georgians to recognize the significance of this normally low-profile contest.
Complaints about high utility bills are rampant across all income levels, prompting organizations like 9to5 Georgia to mobilize voters. Incumbent Tim Echols is set to defend his seat in District 2 against challenger Alicia Johnson, a healthcare consultant from Savannah. Meanwhile, in District 3, green energy advocate Peter Hubbard faces Fitz Johnson, who was appointed in 2021 and has never faced an election.
This election could reshape the PSC’s regulatory power over electricity, natural gas, and telephone services, making it vital for voters in southwest Georgia to understand its implications. “We have to make sure this area understands where their utilities lie,” said Corey Morgan, climate and energy justice manager for 9to5 Georgia. The PSC oversees rates and energy plans for Georgia Power, which has faced criticism for multiple rate hikes—six in the last two years alone.
The urgency intensifies as Georgia Power customers contend with escalating bills driven by rising fuel costs, inflation, and increased demand. However, many advocates point to the controversial Plant Vogtle project, the largest generator of carbon-free nuclear energy in the U.S., as a primary factor. Completed in May 2024, this $36 billion facility has significantly impacted utility costs for all customers, including those served by municipal utilities.
Patty Durand, a former PSC candidate and founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy, criticized the commission for prioritizing corporate interests over consumer affordability. “Every state creates a commission to regulate that monopoly to make sure they don’t exploit and abuse customers,” she stated. “In Georgia, it is a failure.”
As early voting continues through October 31, Morgan is actively engaging voters in Albany, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making. “The Public Service Commission has chosen to give corporations like Southern Company breaks where they may only pay a portion and the rest of that portion slips and falls onto the ratepayer,” he explained.
Local leaders, including Albany Ward VI Commissioner Diana Brown, are also highlighting the significance of this election. Brown has been advocating for economic justice regarding utility bills and pushing for potential utility rebates for seniors. “That money should go to constituents that pay those high utilities,” she asserted.
The stakes are high, as the PSC’s decisions directly affect many families struggling with their bills. “It’s becoming a high burden for families in this region who are already living in poverty,” Morgan noted, sharing that families are often forced to make difficult choices to keep their lights on.
With the potential for significant changes to how Georgia utilities operate, the upcoming election is not just about two commission seats—it’s about ensuring affordable energy for all Georgians. Voters are encouraged to research candidates and ask critical questions about policies aimed at lowering utility bills.
As the election approaches, the message is clear: voters must step up and make their voices heard. “We want voters to feel confident as they are doing their research, and most importantly, that they participate in every election,” Morgan emphasized.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds leading up to the election on November 4.
