Georgia’s Public Service Commission convened in Savannah for an unusual public hearing outside of its traditional Atlanta venue. The meeting marked a significant shift in the regulatory body’s approach to gathering constituent feedback, as Commissioner Alicia Johnson had advocated for holding sessions across different regions of the state to reach voters beyond the metropolitan area.
The session focused heavily on two contentious issues: a planned data center for Effingham County near Savannah operated by OpenAI, and broader concerns about electricity rates charged to Georgia residents. Members of the public questioned the commission’s priorities, with speakers arguing that the regulatory body should prioritize consumer interests over those of major commercial customers. Georgia Power’s contract with OpenAI represents the largest single-customer agreement since the utility began publicly reporting such arrangements in 2024. Attendees demanded greater transparency regarding the terms and financial implications of the data center deal.
Commissioners clarified that their regulatory authority is limited to overseeing electricity generation and pricing when data centers select Georgia Power as their utility provider. They directed residents to address other concerns with local elected officials. Despite this explanation, public frustration remained evident, particularly regarding electricity costs. One Sierra Club representative posed a question to the audience about whether residents felt rates were reasonable, receiving a resounding negative response.
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of recent political changes at the commission. Two Democratic commissioners, Johnson and Peter Hubbard, took office earlier this year after defeating Republican incumbents in an election centered on rate increases and commission oversight. Currently in the minority, both Democrats have cast dissenting votes on several matters. Two additional commission seats will appear on the ballot in November, and Democratic victories in both races would grant the party majority control of the PSC for the first time in decades. Early voting is scheduled to begin October 13.
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