The primary election for Public Service Commission (PSC) is not typically one voters turn out for and, so far, it appears to be the same this year for the June 17 election. However, the PSC race is becoming increasingly important when it comes to hot button issues like utility rates and data centers.
Advanced voting started across the state May 27 leading up to the June 17 primary day. PSC members represent districts of specific areas around Georgia but are voted on by the entire state rather than just those in their districts.
The PSC is the regulatory authority controlling utility rates and other changes among utility companies, including Georgia Power. The current PSC approved years of rate hikes by the power company to pay for increased costs with its projects and approved Georgia Power’s five-year financial plan.
It is also the agency that power companies will go to for rate increase approvals or other measures associated with providing power to data centers popping up around Georgia.
The Republican primary has two names, incumbent Tim Echols and Lee Muns. Both are running for the District 2 seat, which covers much of east Georgia. The winner will face Democrat Alicia Johnson of Savannah in November. Johnson is running unopposed in the primary.
District 3, which includes most of metro Atlanta, has four Democrats to choose from in that primary. Daniel Blackman, Keisha Sean Waites, Peter Hubbard, and Robert Jones are vying for the seat. The winner of that race will take on Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson, running unopposed in the primary, in November.
Georgia allows open primaries, which means those registered in one party can choose to vote in the other party in the primary. However, you must choose only one party for your vote.
Advanced voting is open on weekdays and Saturdays until the primary election. Check with your local election office about where advanced voting takes place. You must already be registered to vote to participate in advanced voting. Your driver’s license or state identification card is required to vote.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio.