Public Service Commission, District 1
Part of a 5-person board that regulates Georgia’s public utilities
Full office description
- A Public Service Commissioner is an elected official who serves on the Public Service Commission. This statewide, five-person board acts as the chief regulators for public utilities in Georgia. This includes power, natural gas, telecommunications, and trucking in Georgia.
- In 1879, the Public Service Commission was formed to oversee the construction and maintenance of railroads. Today, the Georgia Public Service Commission ensures that consumers receive safe and reliable telecommunications, electricity, and natural gas.
- Public Service Commissioners heavily influence how much you pay in utilities by regulating the rates charged by most intrastate, investor-owned telecommunications, gas, and electric utilities operating in Georgia (companies such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Natural Gas and Light).
- The commission is made up of five elected members who serve staggered, six-year terms. Each commissioner is elected by a statewide election.
How this impacts you
Utility Costs — The Public Service Commission impacts how much you pay in utilities by regulating the rates charged by power and gas companies, such as Georgia Power and Atlanta Natural Gas and Light.
Environment — The Public Service Commission works with energy companies to incorporate renewable energy practices. For example, the PSC is playing an important role in the development of Plant Vogtle, a nuclear energy power plant in Georgia.
