Georgia PSC Elections Resume with Impact on Utility Rates Ahead

GEORGIA, USA — Georgia voters are preparing for a critical election that could affect their utility bills for years. After a court challenge delayed the elections for two Public Service Commission (PSC) seats last year, those races are now back on the ballot, allowing every registered voter in the state to participate.

Originally set for November 2024, the elections were postponed due to a lawsuit challenging the at-large election system. Although the lawsuit was dismissed in June 2024, it was too late to maintain the original election timeline. “There was a lawsuit brought basically making a civil rights claim that was knocked down, but it took a long period of time to get through it, so we’ve missed a couple of general elections,” said Gabriel Sterling from the Secretary of State’s Office. To get back on schedule, the legislature has decided to hold elections for the two seats in 2025.

Early voting begins on Tuesday, May 28, with Election Day slated for June 17. If necessary, a runoff will occur on July 15. The PSC regulates essential public utilities across Georgia, including Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light, determining how much these companies can charge customers.

<p“It's going to be an extremely low turnout, so your vote matters more than normal,” added Sterling.

This election coincides with a three-year freeze on Georgia Power rates, a development praised by Gov. Brian Kemp. “While other states are raising their rates to make ends meet, we are freezing ours because of smart choices,” Kemp stated. The freeze aims to protect Georgia customers from rising costs but still needs official approval. Public hearings are scheduled for June 26, with a PSC vote expected by July 1.

Registered voters in Georgia can participate in this election regardless of their PSC district. With the commission’s authority over utility costs, the results could be significant for millions of residents.

The election is especially timely as Georgia Power has opted not to request a rate adjustment this summer, instead agreeing to maintain current rates until the end of 2028. This marks a significant shift for the utility, which has typically submitted a filing for rate changes every three years.

Gov. Kemp was recently joined by PSC Chairman Jason Shaw and Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald at a news conference, promoting the rate freeze as necessary for Georgia families facing economic challenges. “To freeze rates for three years is a very big deal for our state,” Shaw asserted.

The upcoming PSC elections also include incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson, both seeking reelection. Their previous votes have contributed to rising utility bills for Georgia Power customers, with some expressing skepticism about their motivations to support the rate freeze ahead of elections.

Brionte McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, acknowledged the temporary rate freeze as beneficial but suspects political considerations were also at play. “They need to be held accountable, and they just didn’t want that conversation going through Election Day,” McCorkle explained.