A Picture Worth a Thousand Rate Hikes: Hubbard vs. the Empty Podium

Keep this image in mind as you head to the polls over the next two weeks: Democrat Peter Hubbard standing next to an empty podium, while his opponent, Republican Fitz Johnson — the commissioner responsible for multiple rate hikes that have hurt Georgians for years — is nowhere to be seen. Add this image to the countless times you’ve been frustrated by soaring power bills or outraged by costly data centers built near your home. Remember it when you vote.

At last week’s Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debate, one thing was clear: only Hubbard showed up for ratepayers. Standing alone, he made the case for a fairer, more transparent energy future, emphasizing that true leadership means showing up, listening, and being accountable.

Meanwhile, Johnson has repeatedly voted (six times) for rate increases that have cost Georgians hundreds of millions of dollars in higher utility bills. These hikes, approved by commissioners who are supposed to protect consumers, have pushed power costs to record highs while Georgia Power and its shareholders reap profits. Declining to attend the debate, Johnson said his record “spoke for itself.” Indeed it does — a record that favors utilities over the people who pay the bills.

The PSC is meant to protect consumers, yet under Johnson, Georgians have seen bills rise above the national average. He touts a “three-year rate freeze,” conveniently ignoring past rate hikes, storm recovery fees, fuel surcharges, and infrastructure add-ons that keep monthly costs high. If that’s what they call a freeze, one can only imagine what a thaw would look like.

Peter Hubbard, by contrast, has been visible, vocal, and committed. He advocates for renewable energy, battery storage, and consumer protections that prioritize people over profits. His appearance at the debate wasn’t just symbolic — it was a statement that Georgians deserve leaders who show up.

Voters now have a clear choice: support a candidate who actively works to protect you and your family, or stick with one whose empty podium speaks volumes about where their priorities lie. Decisions made by the PSC directly affect every Georgian’s wallet, and it’s time for leadership that makes better decisions.

Governor Kemp and others have tried to spin the election confusion — a result of a court case over how PSC members are elected — as a partisan ploy. But the real issue isn’t who is voting; it’s who is paying the price.

So the next time your electricity bill climbs or news emerges of another backroom deal benefiting big utilities, remember this image: one man at a podium, talking to Georgians — and another man’s empty space, speaking for itself.

When the lights dim and bills rise, it won’t be the empty podium standing up for you. It will be the candidate who showed up: Peter Hubbard.

Early voting begins this week. Don’t let confusion or cynicism silence your voice. Vote for Peter Hubbard — the candidate who actually showed up for you.

To watch the Atlanta Press Club Debate, here is the link.

Shelia Edwards, publisher of Spotlight South Cobb News, was the 2022 Democratic nominee for the Georgia Public Service Commission before her race was removed from the ballot due to a court challenge regarding how PSC members are elected.