Georgia Democrats are seeking to gain control of the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) in response to increasing public concern over rising electricity bills and the expansion of data centers. The PSC, which regulates electricity, natural gas, and telecommunications rates, has seen heightened scrutiny following six rate increases approved since 2023, attributed to the costs of new nuclear reactors and increased demand from data centers.
Commission member Peter Hubbard emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, stating, "November is our chance to get that third crucial vote on the PSC. With your help, we can lock in a 3-2 majority for the next four years." Democrats made significant gains in the previous year's special election, reducing the Republican majority on the commission to 3-2.
The growing data center industry in Georgia, which now includes over 250 facilities, has raised questions about the funding of new electricity generation and transmission infrastructure. In May, Georgia Power reached a preliminary agreement with the PSC to maintain base electricity rates for the next three years, although costs related to data centers remain a contentious issue.
Additionally, the industry has faced criticism for its approach to powering new facilities. Serverfarm has initiated the construction of a natural gas plant adjacent to its data center without obtaining the necessary air permits, which environmental groups and regulators claim may violate the Clean Air Act and state utility laws. Jennifer Whitfield, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, stated that beginning construction before the permitting process is complete undermines regulatory oversight and is illegal. Local residents have called for an investigation into the project by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.