Two consumer advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against Georgia lawmakers, claiming that the extension of state utility regulators’ terms is illegal and violates the state constitution and federal due process protections. The lawsuit challenges House Bill 1312, which delays the election of all five Georgia Public Service Commissioners by at least one year, potentially favoring Republicans on the commission. Critics argue that this legislation prevents Democrats from being elected to the commission.
The lawsuit also follows a recent complaint that the statewide method of electing commissioners dilutes the rights of Black voters in Georgia. Georgia WAND Education Fund and Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund believe that voters should be represented by PSC members who understand the impact of rising electricity rates.
The PSC oversees major utilities in Georgia, including Georgia Power, which has raised rates multiple times to cover the costs of the Plant Vogtle nuclear power expansion. The lawsuit challenges the legality of HB 1312 and calls for fair elections to ensure consumer interests are represented on the commission.
Furthermore, the plaintiffs criticize the commission for approving the expansion of fossil fuel production while ignoring requests to adopt clean energy solutions. They argue that the commission has prioritized power company interests over those of Georgia consumers. The lawsuit aims to hold state regulators accountable and ensure that voting rights are upheld in the election of PSC commissioners.
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