Patty Durand, a former candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), has launched a new nonprofit organization, Georgia Utility Watch, dedicated to bringing transparency and accountability to energy regulation in the state.

The organization aims to advocate for fair electric rates, a more transparent PSC, and more accountable state leadership on energy issues. Durand’s initiative comes after what she describes as a lack of oversight regarding utility policies in Georgia. In her inaugural newsletter, she stated, “Decisions are made with complete disregard for the state mandate to set rates that are just and reasonable. Never, ever are people prioritized or protected.” Durand specifically pointed to a 23.7% rate increase for Georgia Power’s residential customers last year, which she believes went unchecked by the PSC and the General Assembly. She also criticized the legislature’s failure to reinstate the Consumer Utility Counsel, which was disbanded in 2008, and Governor Kemp’s veto of a bill that would have temporarily suspended a tax exemption for data centers. Further, a bill aimed at preventing Georgia Power from passing on data center electricity costs to residential customers failed to reach a Senate vote.

Durand also highlighted the alarming statistic that nearly 200,000 Georgia Power households were disconnected last year, underscoring the urgency of the issues Georgia Utility Watch aims to address.

The organization plans to advocate for policy changes and increased public awareness regarding energy regulation in Georgia.