In Georgia, the Public Service Commission will be in the spotlight as it takes the top position on the ballot in the 2025 elections. This lesser-known regulatory body is crucial as it determines electricity rates and oversees generation plans for Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility catering to 2.3 million customers. The commission’s upcoming decision-making could profoundly affect energy consumers across Georgia.
Primary elections are scheduled for June 17, with early voting periods running until June 14. In these primaries, four Democrats and two Republicans are vying for seats.
Georgia Power’s customers have experienced rate hikes six times recently, largely due to increased natural gas prices and costly ventures like the new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. The result is a substantial increase in average household electricity bills, which now exceed $175 monthly, including taxes. Challengers of the incumbents are pushing for significant change, but Republican incumbent Tim Echols stands by his record, defending past actions.
The Georgia Public Service Commission comprises five members, predominately Republicans, overseeing some natural gas rates in addition to electricity rates. Surprisingly, voter turnout has been minimal thus far, with only 15,000 Democrats and under 10,000 Republicans casting their votes.
The primary elections involve individuals choosing either Republican or Democratic ballots, with candidates competing not only statewide but also required to reside in specific districts. In District 2, Echols, a resident of Hoschton, faces a challenge from Lee Muns of Harlem; the winner will face Democrat Alicia Johnson in November. District 3 offers a four-way battle among Democrats, with Daniel Blackman, Peter Hubbard, Keisha Waites, and Robert Jones contesting for the chance to battle Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson in the general elections. A runoff will occur on July 15 if no candidate secures a majority.
This year’s odd-numbered election was orchestrated due to previous delays from a lawsuit alleging discrimination against Black voters by the statewide voting system. The legal battle led to the postponement of the elections from the regularly scheduled electoral calendar. No elections for the commission were held since 2022 as a consequence. Both Fitz Johnson and Tim Echols were initially scheduled to campaign under different term conditions, altered due to legislative changes following the lawsuit’s outcome.
In a twist, Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger disqualified Daniel Blackman from the primary candidate list, citing residency issues. However, a legal challenge by Blackman allows him to remain on the ballot. This challenge is rooted in his late relocation to District 2, and subsequent change in voter registration raised concerns about his eligibility. Blackman, who previously ran for the commission in 2020, is adamant about continuing the fight to remain in the race, labeling the ongoing legal dispute as unresolved.
The conversation among the candidates centers heavily on the rising cost of living as it relates to electricity bills. Echols speaks highly of a proposed three-year rate freeze achieved with oversight from both Georgia Power and the commission, claiming it as vital during these economically strained times. Meanwhile, opponents argue the freeze is insufficient. Muns and other Democratic challengers believe Georgia Power’s costs are excessively high and demand deeper structural changes to address this. Advocates for cleaner energy such as Hubbard propose shifting toward solar energy harnessed via batteries as a more cost-effective strategy versus expanding natural gas facilities.
Meanwhile, candidates like Robert Jones, with a background in utility regulation, raise concerns over the commission’s lack of scrutiny on Georgia Power’s expenditures and financial disclosures, which facilitate the company’s substantial profits. Keisha Waites, though not an energy specialist, emphasizes the average Georgian’s need for fairness and relief amidst rising costs. These diverse viewpoints promise to make November’s election an influential juncture for energy policy in Georgia.