Georgians head to the polls this November for an election that will decide two seats on the powerful Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The outcome of these races holds significant implications for Georgia Power’s future operations, customer rates, and the state’s energy landscape, with key issues ranging from a newly enacted base rate freeze to the allocation of costs for burgeoning data centers.

The PSC, a statewide, elected body of five commissioners, is responsible for regulating utilities across Georgia, most notably Georgia Power. Its core duties include setting utility rates, approving critical infrastructure projects, and balancing the costs of these projects between utility companies and consumers.

The Contested Seats:

Two incumbent Republicans are facing Democratic challengers in the November election:

District 2: Incumbent Republican Tim Echols is being challenged by Democratic contender Alicia Johnson.
District 3: Incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson is defending his seat against Democratic challenger Peter Hubbard.

The results of these races could shift the dynamic of the commission, which currently holds an all-Republican majority.

Recent Decisions and the Rate Freeze:

In recent years, the PSC’s all-Republican majority has approved six Georgia Power rate increases since 2023, contributing to a spike in customers’ bills. A 3.5% increase for typical households, approved in December 2024, went into effect in January 2025.

However, in a significant development just this July 2025, the PSC approved an agreement with Georgia Power to freeze base rates through 2028. This deal, reached after negotiations with PSC staff, averted a planned rate case this year and offers a temporary reprieve for consumers after years of rising bills. While the freeze applies to base rates, other charges on customer bills, such as fuel costs and capital recovery, can still fluctuate.

Key Issues at Stake:

The candidates and voters are focusing on several critical topics:

  • The Three-Year Base Rate Freeze: While praised by incumbents as a victory for consumers, challengers may argue it doesn’t go far enough to address overall bill increases or that previous rate hikes were unnecessary. The long-term implications of this freeze, and what happens once it expires, will be a central debate.
  • Allocation of Data Center Costs: Georgia has become a hub for data centers, which are massive consumers of electricity. Commissioners will need to address how the substantial energy demands of these facilities are met and how related infrastructure costs are allocated between the data centers themselves and the broader ratepayer base. This issue raises questions about who should bear the burden of expanding energy infrastructure to support these industries.
  • Investments in Energy Infrastructure: Beyond immediate rates, the PSC continually weighs Georgia Power’s proposals for new power generation (including renewables and natural gas), grid modernization, and transmission lines. These investments can have long-lasting effects on reliability, environmental impact, and, ultimately, customer bills. The elected commissioners will determine the scope and funding of these projects, influencing Georgia’s energy future for decades.

The November election is more than just a partisan contest; it’s a referendum on how Georgia’s energy future will be managed and who will bear the costs. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these critical decisions, shaping the financial burden on households and businesses for years to come.