Published 9:26 am Wednesday, October 21, 2026 This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission are on the ballot in this year’s election, and the outcome could see Democrats controlling the powerful commission for the first time in decades. The commission regulates utilities, including Georgia Power, meaning commissioners have final say over how the state’s largest utility makes energy and how much customers pay for it. It has received increased scrutiny in recent years due to a series of rate hikes and the scramble to make enough energy for a massive spike in demand Georgia Power is predicting from the data center boom. Last year, frustration over rising power bills helped two Democrats win seats on the commission in a landslide. One of those seats, the District 3 post now held by commissioner Peter Hubbard, is back on the ballot this year. If the party can hold onto it and win the District 5 seat that’s currently up for grabs, Democrats would hold a majority. Hubbard stressed that point in the Atlanta Press Club’s debate. “In this election, you can vote for Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards to flip the commission to a Democratic majority who will lower your bills and hold Georgia Power and data centers accountable,” he said. Hubbard worked as an advocate and a solar consultant before he won his seat on the commission. He puts a big emphasis on clean…
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