Georgians are casting ballots in off-year elections for two seats on the Public Service Commission, which regulates the state's largest electric utility. The races carry high political stakes as a potential bellwether for next year's gubernatorial and Senate contests, amid debates over energy reliability, rates, and renewables. Republicans defend their long-held majority, while Democrats push for change citing repeated rate hikes.
The elections for the Public Service Commission (PSC) are the only statewide races on Georgia's ballot this year, drawing attention beyond their obscurity. With Democratic strongholds like Atlanta voting for mayor and city council, turnout favors Democrats—June primaries saw twice as many Democrats as Republicans participate. Republicans, who have controlled the PSC for two decades, fear losses that could signal broader vulnerabilities ahead of 2026 races for governor and a U.S. Senate seat.
At a recent rally in Forsyth County, about 40 minutes from Atlanta, Republican leaders united to rally support. Longtime Commissioner Bubba McDonald led the crowd in "God Bless the USA," with officials behind a sign reading “Don’t DEM the lights in Georgia.” State party chair Josh McKoon declared, “We are all united in one goal, and that is to send the message that Georgia is closed to the Democratic party.” He emphasized reliable energy as key to Georgia's business appeal.
The all-Republican PSC has approved new gas-fired turbines and delayed coal plant retirements to meet rising demand, largely from data centers. Incumbent Tim Echols warned, “If these two Democrats get elected, they are going to be at war with our fossil plants, and we have a lot of them. These fossil plants are absolutely critical to our reliability.” Fellow Commissioner Fitz Johnson added, “We are not gonna let them California our Georgia,” referencing rate hikes in other states.
Despite such votes, Georgia Power bills have risen six times in three years, including for nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle and high gas prices. The PSC unanimously froze base rates for three years, though fuel and hurricane costs could adjust bills next year.
Democrats target these hikes. State party chair Charlie Bailey said, “These two Republicans that are running right now never once said, ‘No’ — not one time — to a rate hike request.” Candidates Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson advocate renewables, demand management, rooftop solar, and resilient grids. Hubbard noted renewables are “woefully underrepresented in the current planning process,” leading to costlier gas and coal reliance. Johnson called for “a smarter, more resilient grid” with microgrids and storage to counter storms like Hurricane Helene.
Democrats are investing heavily—phone banks, mailers, door-knocking—for the first time, with DNC support. Bailey views the close 2020 and 2024 presidential races—Biden's win and Trump's 50.7%—as proof Georgia remains a battleground.