Ten Candidates Vie for Two Georgia Public Service Commission Seats
Ten candidates compete for control of Georgia’s utility regulator as early voting begins for the May 19 primary that could reshape energy policy statewide.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Ten candidates are competing for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission in the May 19 primary election, with early voting currently underway across the state.
The commission has significant authority over utilities throughout Georgia, including telecommunications, natural gas, and electricity services. It oversees Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility, and has final say over how the company generates energy and sets customer rates.
According to the commission’s website, “very few governmental agencies have as much impact on peoples’ lives as the PSC.” The commission’s decisions directly affect Georgians’ energy bills and the state’s climate future, since burning fossil fuels for electricity production represents a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Historic Shift in Commission Control
Public Service Commission elections have historically received little public attention. That changed dramatically last year following a years-long delay caused by a voting rights lawsuit.
Two commission seats ended up as the only statewide races on the ballot. Amid widespread frustration over rising energy bills, voters overwhelmingly defeated two Republican incumbents, electing Democrats to the five-member commission for the first time in 20 years.
Majority Control at Stake
With two seats up for election again this year, majority control of the commission hangs in the balance. Both elections are conducted statewide, giving all Georgia voters a voice in selecting commissioners.
The commission’s influence extends beyond setting utility rates. Commissioners determine how Georgia Power and other utilities generate electricity, making decisions that shape the state’s energy mix between fossil fuels and renewable sources like solar and wind power.
Among the candidates competing in the Republican primary for District 5 are Bobby Mehan, Carolyn Roddy, and Josh Tolbert. These three candidates participated in the Loudermilk-Young Debate Series on April 28, discussing their positions on utility regulation and energy policy.
The outcome of these races will determine whether Democrats maintain their influence on the commission or if Republicans regain control of the regulatory body. Given the commission’s authority over energy costs and environmental policy, the results could significantly impact both household budgets and Georgia’s approach to addressing climate change.
The May 19 primary will narrow the field of candidates before the general election, where voters will make final decisions about who will regulate their utilities and influence their energy future for years to come.
