Georgia Democratic leaders called on Georgians to vote early this week in the Public Service Commission election, saying the Republican-controlled body has driven up energy costs and failed to protect consumers.
“Today through Friday, the people of Georgia get to vote on who’s going to regulate their power bills,” said Charlie Bailey, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, during a Monday stop in Augusta. “All five commissioners are Republican, and they have never seen a rate hike they didn’t like.”
Two seats on the powerful five-member commission are on the Nov. 4 ballot, for which early voting started two weeks ago. Through Friday, all registered voters may vote early in both contests at one of four advance voting sites in Richmond County. On Election Day, voters must use their assigned polling places.
Vying for the seats are:
- Peter Hubbard, a clean energy advocate with 15 years of energy sector experience who won the July Democratic runoff for PSC District 3. Hubbard is challenging Atlanta Republican Fitz Johnson, whom Gov. Brian Kemp appointed to an unexpired term in 2021. A full term representing District 3 is up for election next year.
- Alicia Johnson, a healthcare and social services executive, won the Democratic primary for PSC District 2. Johnson is challenging Republican incumbent Tim Echols, who has held the post since 2011.
The Republican-run commission has revealed itself to be in the pockets of the industries it regulates, Bailey said.
“The PSC seems to be serving the intent of corporations and not the bottom lines of the people of Georgia,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones, speaking at the news conference said the election is about “a change in priorities” to keeping energy affordable so Georgians don’t have to “choose between high energy bills and their grocery bills.”
Commissioner Jordan Johnson said he gets more calls about utility bill assistance than anything else.
“The Republican-led PSC has been steadily hiking your power bill and you can vote them out this November,” he said.
