Georgia Power Commission Race Could Reshape State’s Energy Future

Georgia’s Public Service Commission elections are flying under the radar, but the outcome could dramatically shift the state’s energy landscape and electric bills for millions of residents. Two commission seats are up for grabs in this off-year election, with Republicans fighting to maintain their two-decade grip on power while Democrats see their best shot at statewide victory.

The five-member commission regulates Georgia Power, the state’s largest utility, making critical decisions about energy sources and electricity rates. Republican incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson have recently approved new gas-fired power plants and extended the life of coal facilities to meet surging demand from data centers. They argue fossil fuels are essential for reliable power, warning that Democratic control would threaten Georgia’s energy security.

However, Georgia Power customers have seen their bills rise six times in just three years under Republican oversight, including increases for new nuclear reactors, fuel costs, and hurricane damage. Democratic challengers Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson propose expanding renewable energy, improving grid resilience, and exploring alternatives like rooftop solar and energy storage to both lower costs and prepare for climate-driven disasters like Hurricane Helene.

Both parties recognize these typically obscure races as a bellwether for next year’s gubernatorial and Senate contests. The Democratic National Committee has made the unusual move of investing in state utility races, while Republicans are mobilizing to prevent what they see as a dangerous shift toward policies modeled after California and New York. With higher Democratic turnout expected due to Atlanta’s mayoral race, Georgia’s energy future hangs in the balance.