Democrats take Georgia Public Service Commission, target OpenAI deal

The Democratic takeover follows two election cycles in which affordability and high energy bills were driving issues. Brionté McCorkle of Georgia Conservation Voters said the party worked to connect energy policy to household budgets, arguing the commission is no longer an obscure body but one whose decisions directly affect communities.

The change in composition arrives as Georgia Power faces criticism over transparency. The utility's contract to serve a massive new OpenAI data center was entirely redacted, with only a summary released after approval. Georgia Power has argued that data center revenue provides "downward pressure" on rates — meaning increases would be offset, not that bills would fall — and credited that revenue for a temporary rate freeze last year. Advocates criticized the freeze because it was announced before a PSC hearing could verify the utility's financial claims.

Kristin Phillips of Emory University said immediate effects on wallets may not be visible, but the types of decisions made could change right away. Commissioner Hubbard has proposed an affordability docket, a rate case for natural gas utilities that he said has not been done in over a decade, and scrutiny of Georgia Power's long-term energy plans and demand forecasts. Southern Company CEO Chris Womack said he is confident the utility can address affordability concerns with the new commissioners, pointing to rate freezes and benefits from growth passed to existing customers.