Georgia PSC Rejects Motion to Delay Multi-Billion Dollar Georgia Power Vote

ATLANTA — Following last week’s shakeup at the Public Service Commission (PSC), where voters rejected two incumbent members, the PSC has denied a motion from the Sierra Club and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) to postpone a key vote on Georgia Power’s massive expansion plan.

The environmental groups had requested a one-month delay on Georgia Power’s request to lock customers into a long-term spending plan that dramatically increases the utility’s electricity capacity at significant cost. The extension would have postponed the final vote until January 2026, allowing newly elected commissioners Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard — both Democrats — to weigh in. The two won their races by historic margins, with nearly 63% of the vote, signaling widespread voter frustration with the previous PSC’s approach to Georgia Power oversight.

Georgia Power’s plan would bring 9.9 gigawatts online, more than a 50% increase in the utility’s existing generating capacity, primarily to serve new large-load customers such as data centers. Critics say the plan’s long-term viability is uncertain, and the plants would operate for the next 45 years, locking in high costs for consumers.

Environmental advocates argue the timing of the vote ignores voter intent. Adrien Webber, Georgia Chapter Director of the Sierra Club, said, “Georgia voters overwhelmingly rejected the current PSC’s approach to oversight of Georgia Power. This proposal will have a generational impact on our state. The PSC should respect the will of the voters and allow Commissioners-Elect Johnson and Hubbard to consider the merits of this plan.”

Dr. Stephen Smith, Executive Director of SACE, added, “It is tone deaf to add billions of dollars to the bills of Georgia ratepayers by rushing this decision through a lame-duck Commission after voters across the state just sent a clear message about their concerns on energy affordability. Approving Georgia Power’s plans to run these extraordinarily expensive new fossil gas plants will lock electric customers into increased rates and volatile fuel costs for decades to come.”

Critics also note that voters who felt the negative impacts of previous rate changes have made it clear at the ballot box that they expect PSC members to prioritize ratepayers over utility interests. The push to rush the vote demonstrates a continued alignment with Georgia Power rather than consumers, raising the possibility that other commissioners could also face voter backlash if they ignore the public’s demands for fair energy policy.

The PSC is currently scheduled to take a final vote on Georgia Power’s plan on Dec. 19.