Your Power Bill, Your Vote: What the Georgia Public Service Commission Does and Why It Matters
We’ve all had that moment: you open your power bill, and the total is higher than you expected. For many in Sandy Springs, an unexpected increase of $30, $50 or more isn't just an inconvenience. It’s the cost of a week's groceries, a tank of gas or another strain on the budget that keeps a roof over your head.
But have you ever asked who approves those rate hikes?
That power lies with a small but mighty state agency you may not have heard of: the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). Understanding what the PSC does is one of the most direct ways to understand how your own financial well-being is shaped by people you can vote for.
What does the Georgia Public Service Commission do?
In short, the Public Service Commission is the state’s watchdog for your utility bills. It is a five-member board elected by Georgia voters. Their primary job is to regulate our state's public utility companies, most notably Georgia Power.
Think of them as the referees between you and a monopoly. Because you can’t choose your electricity provider, the PSC’s role is to ensure the rates you pay are fair and that the company is operating responsibly.
Their key responsibilities include:
Approving Rate Increases: When Georgia Power wants to raise your monthly electricity bill, it must first get permission from the PSC. Commissioners review the request, listen to arguments and vote yes or no.
Overseeing Power Plant Construction: The PSC decides whether to approve the construction of new power plants, including who pays for them and how much the utility company can charge customers for the project. This was a central part of their role in the recent expansion of Plant Vogtle.
Setting the State's Energy Plan: The commission approves the state's long-term energy strategy, deciding what kinds of power Georgia will rely on in the future—from natural gas and nuclear to solar and other renewable sources.
The New Challenge: Data Centers vs. Your Household Budget
Right now, the PSC is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades. Georgia has become a global hub for data centers—the massive, power-hungry buildings that house the servers for AI, cloud computing and social media.
This boom puts an enormous strain on our state's power grid. To meet the demand, Georgia Power is planning to build new power plants. The critical question the next PSC Commissioner will help answer is simple: Who pays for it?
Historically, the massive costs for new infrastructure have been passed on to residential customers. This means the energy needs of giant tech facilities could be paid for through higher bills for Sandy Springs families, seniors and essential workers. For a community where over a third of households are already spending too much of their income on housing, every dollar on a utility bill counts.
Your Action Plan: The District 3 Runoff Election is Happening Now
This isn't just a future problem; it's a present-day decision. Your vote gives you a direct say in who will make these choices.
For residents in Sandy Springs (who are in PSC District 3), the Democratic primary runoff election is underway to decide who will be on the ballot in November. The candidates are Peter Hubbard and Keisha Sean Waites. Both have expressed deep concern over rising utility rates and the need for greater consumer protection. The winner will challenge the Republican incumbent, Fitz Johnson, in the general election this fall.
Here is your timeline for action:
VOTE EARLY: Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 11
VOTE ON RUNOFF ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, July 15
You can learn more about this race by clicking here to visit Ballotpedia.
Your vote in this runoff election will help determine who is at the table making decisions that directly affect your wallet and the affordability of our community.
You can check your voter registration, view a sample ballot and find your specific early voting and election day polling locations by visiting the Georgia My Voter Page online.
When we connect our ballots to our power bills, we take an active role in shaping a more affordable and inclusive future for everyone in Sandy Springs.