Public Service Commission races delayed indefinitely

Amid ongoing court battles, elections to the Public Service Commission, Georgia’s powerful utility regulators, have been canceled yet again. The Secretary of State’s (SOS) office announced that races were indefinitely postponed. This decision affects a majority of the all-Republican Public Service Commission. It also impacts Democratic candidates who were waiting to challenge them to represent Georgia citizens. Georgians are also impacted as they have watched the Republican dominated PSC commission sanction nonstop increased utility rates at the behest of Georgia Power.

The SOS says the delay is due to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals not finalizing its November ruling on statewide PSC elections’ compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in elections. Until this case is resolved, a federal judge’s 2022 decision that at-large PSC elections illegally weaken Black Georgians’ voting strength remains in effect, preventing elections from being held under that structure.

This delay keeps Republican Commissioners Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson, who would have faced reelection in 2022, and Tricia Pridemore, who would have faced reelection this year, in office without being voted on by the people of Georgia. The delay could extend elections to 2025.

Democratic Nominees Patty Durand and Shelia Edwards, who won the statewide Democratic Nomination for PSC in May 2022, without a runoff, were waiting to face Echols and Johnson in the November 2022 General Election races before they were removed from the ballot.

The cancellation and indefinite postponement of these elections has significant implications for candidates for Public Service Commission as well as potential Democratic candidates. It also raises concerns about the democratic process and representation in Georgia. Additionally, the ongoing utility rate increases approved by the Public Service Commission, at the request of Georgia Power, adds another layer of complexity to the situation as it places these increases on the backs of ratepayers. This is alarming and unacceptable as advocacy groups argue that citizens are negatively affected by these decisions as they face higher utility costs.

This PSC case underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in electoral processes.

Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and actively participate in discussions surrounding the Public Service Commission and its decisions.