A new nonprofit organization, Georgia Utility Watch, was officially launched on Monday, aiming to bring more transparency and accountability to energy regulation in Georgia. Founded by Patty Durand, a former candidate for a seat on the state Public Service Commission (PSC), the group seeks to address growing concerns over utility rates and consumer protections.
Advocating for Fair Rates and Transparency
Georgia Utility Watch is driven by the mission of advocating for fair electric rates, a more transparent Public Service Commission, and stronger oversight of the state’s energy practices. Durand, who has long been an advocate for utility consumers, is frustrated by what she describes as decisions made “with complete disregard for the state mandate to set rates that are just and reasonable.”
In the inaugural newsletter of her new organization, Durand expressed her concerns that the interests of consumers have consistently been sidelined. “Never, ever are people prioritized or protected,” she emphasized, highlighting how the energy regulatory process often fails to address the needs of everyday Georgians.
The formation of Georgia Utility Watch is seen as a direct response to what Durand views as a failure by the state to hold utility companies accountable. She pointed specifically to the 23.7% rate increase approved for Georgia Power customers as a glaring example of the lack of consumer protection in the state.
Addressing the 23.7% Rate Hike and Consumer Disconnections
One of the central criticisms from Georgia Utility Watch is the approval of a significant 23.7% rate hike for Georgia Power, which many believe will disproportionately affect low-income households and vulnerable populations. Durand has expressed deep concern over the fact that these kinds of rate hikes are passed without sufficient scrutiny or protection for consumers, especially in a time when energy costs continue to rise.
Additionally, the organization is drawing attention to the high number of household disconnections in the state. According to Durand, nearly 200,000 Georgia Power customers had their service disconnected last year alone. These disconnections, she argues, are a reflection of the broader problem of unaffordable utility rates and a lack of meaningful consumer safeguards.
Georgia Utility Watch is committed to pushing for changes in policy that would prevent such disconnections and ensure that utility services are accessible and affordable for all Georgians. The group also advocates for the reinstatement of the Consumer Utility Counsel, a body that was eliminated several years ago, which had historically represented consumers in utility-related matters.
Criticism of Governor Kemp’s Veto on Tax Exemption Suspension
Another point of contention for Georgia Utility Watch is Governor Brian Kemp’s veto of a bill that would have suspended the sales tax exemption on data centers. Durand and other critics argue that this veto benefits large corporations while leaving average consumers to bear the brunt of rising energy costs.
The data center exemption, which was intended to address the growing demand for energy-intensive data center operations, was seen as a way to provide tax relief to consumers. However, with the veto, Durand and her organization argue that the tax exemption would have alleviated some of the financial burden on everyday Georgians, particularly when considering the broader impacts of energy pricing.
Durand has voiced her concerns about the state’s approach to energy issues, claiming that the interests of large corporations and utility companies seem to be prioritized over the needs of ordinary people.
Looking Ahead: Georgia Utility Watch’s Plans
As Georgia Utility Watch embarks on its mission to hold energy regulators accountable, Durand and her team are focused on fostering greater public awareness of energy policies and practices. Through advocacy, research, and public engagement, the organization hopes to create a more informed consumer base that is better equipped to challenge unfair policies and rate hikes.
Durand’s vision for Georgia Utility Watch is one where consumers have a stronger voice in energy-related matters, and where the state’s Public Service Commission operates with full transparency and in the public interest. The group plans to engage in grassroots efforts, collaborate with other consumer advocacy organizations, and push for legislative reforms to ensure that Georgians no longer have to bear the brunt of unfair utility practices.
