This piece is part of a series of articles examining where 2026 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues, like data centers and energy costs.
Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites, and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.
In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Shelia Edwards, the Democratic candidate running to represent District 5 on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Also in this series, we profile Republican candidate Josh Tolbert. All eligible Georgia voters can vote in this election, no matter where they live. Election Day is November 3.
Shelia Edwards is a business owner and communications professional with experience in the public and private sector. Edwards grew up in South Carolina and moved to Cobb County, Georgia in the early 90s. In 2022, Edwards won the Democratic primary for the District 3 seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission, but the general election for the PSC was canceled that year. Her full bio is available on her campaign webpage here.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Shelia Edwards called for the expansion of Georgia Power’s customer solar net metering program on the Voices of the Village podcast, calling it a “win-win situation.” Clean energy was part of her four-point platform in the primary election of this year. At the time, she shared her commitment to building a clean, affordable energy future.
Climate Change
We were unable to confirm Shelia Edwards’ position on climate change in published media, public records, or on her campaign website.
Electric Transportation
We were unable to confirm Shelia Edwards’ position on electric transportation in published media, public records, or on her campaign website.
Energy Equity and Energy Burden
The issue of high energy burden is what inspired Shelia Edwards to launch her 2022 campaign for public service commissioner. After receiving a $500 electricity bill from Georgia Power, Edwards considered how many families faced the same issue and what sacrifices they made, particularly if they were unable to pay for housing, food, and medicine as a result of high energy bills.
Energy Affordability
On her campaign website, Shelia Edwards specifically highlights lowering electric bills as one of her main campaign issues. She states that “I am running to fight for affordable electric bills, demand greater transparency, and ensure Georgia Power is held accountable for every dollar it asks customers to pay.” In response to a question about which public policies she is passionate about, she responded, “I also care deeply about keeping energy affordable for working families and seniors on fixed incomes while planning responsibly for Georgia’s energy future.”
High-Risk Energy: Nuclear, Coal, Methane Gas
On the topic of Georgia Power rate increases largely driven by the construction of gas plants, Edwards shared, “The Commission must protect consumers from unnecessary rate increases. I am running to stop endless rate hikes and make sure families are not forced to pay more and more every year for electricity.”
Data Centers
Data centers paying their fair share is another key issue highlighted by Sheila Edwards’ campaign. On her website, she lists the following commitments: Require data centers to pay their fair share, prevent cost-shifting to Georgia households, and increase transparency in utility planning and pricing.
Edwards specifically calls for “transparent, independent impact assessments that evaluate their effects on air quality, water resources, energy demand, public health, and the reliability of our electric grid.”
Voting Information
All eligible Georgia voters can vote in this election, no matter where they live. Election Day is November 3. Here are important dates and deadlines to consider:
- Oct. 5, 2026: Voter registration deadline
- Oct. 13, 2026: In-person early voting period begins
- Oct. 23, 2026: Absentee ballot request deadline
- Oct. 30, 2026: In-person early voting period ends
- Nov. 3, 2024: General Election Day
- Nov. 3, 2026: Absentee ballot return deadline
- Nov. 6, 2026: Vote-by-mail ballot return deadline for military and overseas citizen voters
Find additional important election information here.
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