Despite its low profile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has a large influence on the lives of Georgians due to its ability to regulate utility companies and stop electricity bills from climbing ever higher.
Early voting in the 2026 primary for two open seats on the five-person Georgia Public Service Commission has begun, and this statewide election is an opportunity for Georgians to make their voices heard on bill affordability, data centers, and the state of the environment.
In Georgia, as across the country, electricity bills are increasing. This is in large part due to utility companies keeping old, expensive coal plants open beyond their retirement dates, and overwhelming customers with the costs of risky methane gas plants and pipelines — largely to serve new data centers instead of opting for cheap, reliable renewable energy. This is all happening while the severity and frequency of destructive storms are increasing due to the worsening climate crisis. Georgia Public Service Commissioners can either allow these harmful trends to continue or use their authority to protect the people who elected them.
In Georgia, we cannot choose who we buy our power from. The best thing we can do is choose our public service commissioners, whose job it is to hold Georgia Power accountable.
Early Voting for the Primary Open Now
Ahead of last year’s special election, Georgians across the state learned about the PSC and its impact on the lives of millions of people. As the nation prepares for midterm elections this year, Georgia voters will once again have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate in the May 19 primary and then during the November general election. The Public Service Commission is a statewide race, meaning every eligible voter in Georgia can vote in both races, no matter where they live.
The open seats are for District 5 and District 3: Peter Hubbard, the candidate who won the District 5 special election race last year, is up for reelection to serve a full six-year term. The District 3 seat is completely open with no incumbent running after the current commissioner announced she would not seek reelection.
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A Refresher on the Georgia Public Service Commission
The Georgia PSC is a regulatory body made up of five elected officials who regulate investor-owned electric, gas, and telecommunication utilities, including Georgia Power. Before Georgia Power can increase rates or pass the cost of new, expensive power plants on to customers, it must receive approval from the PSC. If a commissioner believes the request is not fair, they can vote against the proposed increase.
The amount of renewable energy Georgia Power adds to its portfolio and how much the utility invests in energy efficiency is all up for judgment by the PSC. By voting for Commissioners in the upcoming election, voters decide who is the best fit to make these decisions.
Decisions made by the PSC commissioners affect far more than how the utilities conduct their business. The five commissioners determine whether the electric utility’s shutoff policies are fair and if Georgia Power can pass the cost of keeping its coal plants open longer onto customers. In fact, the total amount owed at the bottom of every electricity bill received by any of Georgia Power’s 2.8 million customers is a result of a past Georgia PSC ruling.
Read our 2025 special election article to learn how PSC rulings affect Georgia residents
Voting ‘Down Ballot’ for the Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission races will not be at the top of the ballot this year, but voters who want to have a say in Georgia’s energy future can make it a priority to vote all the way down the ballot. Early voting for the primary election runs Monday, April 27, through Friday, May 15. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19. If no candidate receives at least 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held on Tuesday, June 16. The following candidates are running:
District 5 Candidates
Democrats
Peter Hubbard
Republicans
Fitz Johnson
Brandon Martin
District 3 Candidates
Democrats
Craig Cupid
Shelia Edwards
Angelia Pressley
Republicans
Bobby Mehan
Carolyn Tatum Roddy
Joshua Tolbert
Make your plan today to vote early to make sure your voice is heard.
