Democratic Victories in Georgia Public Service Commission Race Show That Skyrocketing Energy Costs Are a Liability for Republicans

Washington, D.C. – Democrats flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission—a stunning victory for positions that decide how the state meets its energy needs. This race further highlights how Americans are showing up at the polls to punish Republicans for higher electricity prices. Lori Lodes, Executive Director of Climate Power, released the following statement: 

“Republicans had a 12:1 fundraising advantage and a nearly 20 year lock on this commission—but voters broke that streak tonight. Carried by frustration over soaring electricity costs, Democrats captured two seats and sent a clear message: rising utility bills will be a defining issue for voters in 2026.  Congratulations to Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard on their victories. 

“Tonight’s results in Georgia show that voters are ready to bring their power to the polls and hold Trump and Republicans accountable for their war on clean energy that is hiking up their electricity costs.” 

Climate Power worked with state and local partners to build momentum on the ground and highlight how Republicans were responsible for their soaring utility bills: 

• In Georgia, customers of the largest utility provider in the state saw their bills increase by $518 a year over the last two years. The current Commission has voted to hike their rates six separate times in the last two years.

• Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard were outraised 12 to 1 by their Republican opponents. 

• Georgia Democrats have been completely shut out of representation on the Georgia Public Service Commission since 2006 when the last Democratic Commissioner lost his bid for reelection.

• Since Georgia began election of Public Service Commissioners in 1906, Democrats have never successfully unseated a sitting Republican incumbent commissioner. Tonight, they did it twice.

• This victory was fueled by voter anger and sticker shock over their summer energy bill increases facilitated by six PSC approved rate hikes in just the past two years.

• Climate Power played a critical role in the 2025 Georgia Public Service Commissioner race: 

• The Watts At Stake PSC Leadership Summit expanded the conversation around the centrality of energy affordability across the state. 
  
• In partnership with Georgia Conservation Voters, the “My Bills So High” Influencer Campaign worked with comedy influencers to create content that would resonate with young voters about the PSC race.
   
• Climate Power Georgia State Director Mark McLaurin was featured on Black radio stations in Savannah, Macon, and Albany
  
• Climate Power hosted  GOTV events across the state in the final weeks leading up to the election, including at music festivals, HBCUs, poetry slam events, and a “Bring Your Power (Bills) To the Polls” event.