The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has been influential in making key decisions related to energy policies, utility charges and customer protections over the last 15 years. The following timeline outlines important occasions and choices made by the PSC that demonstrate its significant responsibility for overseeing utility services in Georgia.

What does the Commission Do?

The Georgia PSC has sole authority to set fair rates for services under its control. It aims to maintain a balance between providing reliable services at affordable prices, while also allowing utilities to make a reasonable return on their investments.

To achieve these goals, it carries out investigations, holds hearings, collects data, inspects properties and issues orders. Anything that is set for a public hearing is handled either by the Commission members themselves or an assigned hearing officer in an open session.

Important Decisions and Incidents from 2009 to 2024

Changes in Law and Financial Practices in 2009

• In April 2009, Governor Sonny Perdue approved the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act which allowed Georgia Power to bill customers for some construction costs of new nuclear reactors resulting in $300 million savings for the company.
• In the same year of 2009 Consumer’s Utility Counsel was cancelled due to budget constraints. This organization had been fighting for public rights before the PSC since 1975.

Increased Renewable Energy and Re-Election Between 2010-2014

• In November of 2010, Tim Echols a Republican from Clayton County was chosen as representative of District two on the PSC.
• During autumn of 2012, Gorgia Power initiated its Advanced Solar Initiative with hopes of acquiring up to210 megawatts of solar power.
• In November of 2014, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald was selected again to the PSC which upheld his service that started with an assignment in1998.

Solar Power and Mergers during 2016-2017

• In July 2016, the PSC gave approval to the latest Integrated resource plan which increased Georgia Power’s Renewable Energy Development Initiative by procuring1200 MW renewables, focusing especially on solar energy.
• Also in July 2016, Southern company merged with AGL Resources and Georgia Power agreed to not request rate increase for three years in order to gain approval from the PSC.
• In December of 2017, despite Westinghouse Electric (the contractor) going bankrupt, PSC decided to proceed with constructing two more nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.

New appointments and legal challenges during 2018-2020

In February of 2018, District five commissioner Tricia Pridemore was appointed by Governor Nathan deal.
In January of 2019 Jason Shaw was picked by Governor Brian Kemp to represent District one.

In July of 2020 Black voters living in Atlanta filled a lawsuit against Georgia’s secretary of state claiming that the voting system for PCS minimizes their votes. In the same month the PCS also allowed Georgia power to charge customers for their Covid19 pandemic expenses.

Redistricting and Election Legal Challenges in 2022

In March 2022 PSC district division lines were redrawn and moved many counties from district two into four. In August a federal judge delayed PSC elections declaring violating voting rights act had been committed by election systems agency. By November PCS elections are unable to be held owing ongoing case.

Court rulings and rate increases of 2023

Charges required for Georgia Energy’s plan to regain $2.1 billion in fuel expenses received approval in May 2023 resulting in an average increase in bills by $16 next three years period. The U.S. Circuit court of appeals on the 11 agreed to election systems used by Georgia for appointment of PSC commissioner seats held throughout the state.

Continued changes and lawsuits confronted by the PSC in 2024

In February 2024, efforts to restore the Consumer’s Utility Counsel have been supported by both Georgia House and Senate committees. The PCS related lawsuit, which challenges election system procedures considered unfair and is aggressively pursued appeal within U.S. supreme court till March.

In April the PCS accepted deal of Georgia energy’s plan for new contracts with a natural gas company located in Florida, along with building combustion turbines at Plant Yates.

Springtime charge rates were increased due completion of a prolonged construction project lasting four years as Plant Vogtle Unit four comes into operation. June witnessed rejection decision from U.S Supreme Court refuting to hear case lodged against PCS secretary election system.

No elections are scheduled due a PCS decision influenced from voting rights act lawsuit against state law, so this extends towards additional term providing protection for present Republican commissioners

Conclusion

The pivotal role played by Georgia Public Service Commission includes regulation of utility service alongside making sure fair rates are ensured for residents of Georgia state. From approving cost hikes, driving renewable energy projects aggressively till handling legal challenges smartly every decision implemented has long term ramifications impacting energy landscape spread over the state as well customer protections being preserved effectively.