Public Service Commission, District 4
Part of 5-person board that regulates power, natural gas, telecommunications, and trucking for Georgia
Full office description
A Public Service Commissioner is an elected official who serves on the Public Service Commission. This statewide, five-person board acts as the chief regulators for utilities, telecommunications, and trucking in Georgia.
The functions of the Public Service Commission have changed a lot since its founding in 1879, when it was initially formed to oversee the construction and maintenance of railroads. Georgia was actually one of the first States to establish a regulatory agency like this. Today, the Georgia Public Service Commission ensures that consumers receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced telecommunications, electric, and natural gas services. They do this by regulating the rates charged and services provided by most intrastate, investor-owned telecommunications, gas, and electric utilities operating in Georgia (companies such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Natural Gas and Light). The commission also ensures the safety of all-natural gas pipelines in the state and requires proof of insurance and safety inspections in the trucking industry.
How this impacts you
Utility Costs — The Public Service Commission impacts how much you pay in utilities by regulating the rates charged by power and gas companies, such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Natural Gas and Light.
Environment — The Public Service Commission works with energy companies to incorporate renewable energy practices. For example, the PSC is playing an important role in the development of Plant Vogtle, a nuclear energy power plant in Georgia.
This is a runoff election for Public Service Commission, District 4. To see the original election, click here.
