AJC reports on GA PSC statewide race
neillh...@earthlink.net
Today’s newsletter highlights: Campaign push
Republicans have another reason to worry about potentially losing the two Public Service Commission seats on the ballot next month. The Georgia Conservation Voters Action Fund unveiled a $2.2 million campaign this morning targeting GOP incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson, tying them to Georgia Power rate hikes. The campaign includes digital ads, direct mail and a new website, TheyRaisedYourBill.com. It aims to boost Democratic challengers Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson, who are pitching themselves as advocates for lower utility costs and clean energy. The Public Service Commission regulates Georgia Power, the state’s largest electric utility with more than 2.8 million customers. Since 2023, the all-Republican commission has approved six rate increases that have raised residential bills about $43. This is the first time commissioners who took those votes will face voters. Two previous elections were canceled because of legal challenges. In July, the commission offered some political cover for the two Republican incumbents on the ballot by voting to freeze Georgia Power’s rates through 2028 — a move praised by popular Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. But critics note rates could still increase in other ways, including by passing along new costs to customers. Republicans are terrified of losing the two seats and are mobilizing supporters to stave off Democratic upsets. |
