Georgia voters to decide control of utility board
Georgia voters will choose two members of the Georgia Public Service Commission, potentially giving Democrats control of the utility regulator. The election could affect Georgia Power’s rate decisions and plans to meet surging electricity demand from data centers.
Two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission are being contested statewide, with Democrat Peter Hubbard facing Republican Fitz Johnson in District 3 and Republican Josh Tolbert running against Democrat Shelia Edwards in District 5. A Democratic victory in both races would give the party a majority on the commission for the first time in decades.
The commission regulates Georgia Power and will influence future electricity rates, power-plant investments, transmission projects and the utility’s plans to accommodate rising demand from data centers. Candidates differ over ratepayer protections, clean energy and technical expertise, while the commission is expected to consider another update to Georgia Power’s long-term energy plan before a major rate case expected after 2028.