Eight Candidates Battle for Georgia Public Service Commission Seats in June Primary

ATLANTA, Ga. — The upcoming primary elections for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) have attracted a diverse slate of eight candidates, including two incumbents, as voters prepare to cast their ballots on June 17.

District 2 Commissioner Tim Echols and District 3 Commissioner Fitz Johnson, both Republicans, have officially declared their candidacies for reelection. Echols faces a challenge from Lee Muns, a former candidate for the Columbia County Commission, in the Republican primary. The winner of this primary will move on to compete in the November general election against Democrat Alicia Johnson, who is currently unopposed in her primary.

The election for District 3 will see Fitz Johnson contest the winner of the Democratic primary, which features four candidates: Peter Hubbard, Keisha Sean Waites, Robert Jones, and Daniel Blackman, who previously ran for the PSC in 2020.

Consumer advocates are closely watching this election, viewing it as a pivotal moment regarding rising electricity rates from Georgia Power. With significant investments in mega data centers projected to drive demand for electricity, there are growing concerns that utility rates may continue to rise. The PSC’s decisions on rate increases have been particularly scrutinized, with watchdogs fearing that increased costs will disproportionately impact residential customers.

“This election has the potential to be a referendum on the commission and its approval of substantial rate hikes,” said a representative from a local consumer advocacy group. “Voters will have the chance to select candidates who they believe will fight for the public’s best interests.”

Tim Echols, who is seeking a third term, has emphasized his support for Georgia Power’s investments in the state’s energy infrastructure. He highlighted his voting history favoring clean energy initiatives and affordability measures for low-income customers. “When industries come to Georgia, they create jobs, and that’s beneficial for all consumers,” Echols stated.

Challenger Lee Muns has a background in construction and energy regulation, asserting the need for efficient energy policies. “Regulators must make significant decisions about the future of our energy capacity, especially as we see growth in data centers,” Muns remarked.

Alicia Johnson, advocating for sustainable energy initiatives, criticized the PSC for approving six consecutive rate hikes since 2022. “These increases are squeezing families who are already facing tough financial choices,” she said. Johnson brings 25 years of advocacy experience, focusing on affordable energy solutions for Georgia residents.

Fitz Johnson, recently appointed by Governor Brian Kemp, is also seeking to establish a better balance between utility needs and ratepayer interests. “The PSC must ensure that we don’t overextend our resources while planning for future growth,” he noted, referencing the need for a thoughtful approach to expanding capacity.

Daniel Blackman aims to increase transparency in how the commission operates and how decisions will impact household utility costs. “We must advocate for low-income assistance programs while enhancing the stability of our electric grid,” he said.

The PSC’s unique election dynamics this year stem from a 2022 lawsuit that challenged the at-large voting process, alleged to dilute the Black vote, ultimately leading to the current candidates running for reelection under heightened scrutiny. The upcoming election will be the first since 2020 that includes PSC races on the general election ballot.

With a growing number of candidates determined to reshape the PSC, voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on energy policies that affect every Georgian’s daily life. As the election nears, candidates are ramping up their campaigns, focusing on critical issues that resonate with constituents.