One of the most important government bodies in Georgia is the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates utilities in Georgia. When Georgia Power wants to raise electricity rates to pay for fuel costs or to build new fossil fuel-burning power plants, the PSC has to approve those bill increases. When a utility wants to keep coal plants online instead of using cheaper, cleaner energy sources like solar power, the PSC votes on those plans.
In short, the PSC decides how much you pay for electricity and where that electricity comes from.
For far too long, the PSC has ignored the public and sided with utility companies like Georgia Power. The commission has approved six increases to power bills in three years, for an average of more than $500 a year. Commissioners are unabashedly pro-fossil fuels and approved a plan that would make Georgia Power one of the top greenhouse gas emitters in the U.S.
The 2025 election has brought change to the commission, however. Two clean energy advocates were elected to serve on the PSC, and they've pledged to work to lower power bills and push for strong environmental policy.
The Sierra Club Georgia Chapter plans to ramp up our work at the PSC in 2026, and we need your help to be effective! There are expected to be several opportunities for the public to engage with the Commission next year. Sign up on this page and we'll keep you informed about action opportunities, public hearings, rallies and events, and more!
