Patty Durand, a former Georgia Public Service Commission candidate, has founded Georgia Utility Watch to advocate for consumer interests and hold state regulators and Georgia Power accountable. The organization aims to restore consumer advocacy groups disbanded in 2008 and prevent stipulated agreements between the PSC and Georgia Power. They also seek to ensure that data centers do not pass on their energy costs to small businesses and residential customers. Georgia Utility Watch plans to monitor major cases affecting Georgia Power ratepayers and the company’s energy sources.
Durand’s experience includes working with the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, and she previously ran for a PSC seat in 2022. While campaigning, she believes that her role in Georgia Utility Watch will have a greater impact on utility regulation than running for office. The organization’s goal is to address the state-sanctioned monopoly of Georgia Power and the influence of financial contributions on regulatory decisions.
Georgia Power’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan includes substantial investments in infrastructure and new energy sources to meet growing energy demands, particularly from large data centers supporting artificial intelligence. The company’s proposal to build gas-burning units at Plant Bowen has raised questions about their commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The PSC is scheduled to vote on these plans in June, and Georgia Utility Watch will continue to advocate for consumer interests and transparency in regulatory decisions.
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