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Some Georgia lawmakers want to revive an office to advocate for utility customers. The proposal comes as Georgia Power bills have increased repeatedly in the past year and utility regulator elections remain on hold.
Senate Bill 457, which passed the state Senate and is now in a House committee, would reinstate the Consumers’ Utility Counsel – a public advocate to represent the interests of customers on issues like electricity rates. The position existed until 2008, when it was eliminated during widespread budget cuts.
Republican state Sen. Chuck Hufstetler of Rome, the bill’s sponsor, said he’s heard from his constituents that their bills are too high.
“I look at how our rates have increased compared to others around the country and the lack of anyone with legal standing for them,” he said. “I think there might be a correlation there.”
The Georgia Public Service Commission sets electricity rates for Georgia Power. Bills have increased four times since January 1, 2023, with another rate hike on the way when the second new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle enters service.
While a portion of the PSC’s staff is dedicated to public interest advocacy, Hufstetler said he’s concerned those staffers aren’t sufficiently independent to truly represent consumers.
The Commission’s director of utilities, Tom Bond, told the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee on Tuesday that the consumer advocate isn’t needed because of the existing public interest advocacy staff – and because the commissioners are elected.
“There is no intermediary between them and their constituents,” Bond said. “If ratepayers are unhappy, commissioners know it. They’ll find out at the ballot box if they don’t find out from…
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