SAVANNAH, GA - May 12, 2025 - As temperatures heat up and power bills rise, frustrated Georgians are starting to look at the Public Service Commission (PSC) for new regulations and to potentially bust up a Georgia Power monopoly. Statewide PSC primaries for seats in Districts 2 and 3 will be held on June 17 and the general election will be on November 4.

Coastal Georgia for Democracy, the Savannah Indivisible group for Georgia District 1, will host a live open forum for voters to ask the candidates questions about their positions in advance of the election. Hosted by WSAV-TV News Anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw, the event will be held at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street, Savannah, on June 12 at 6:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP here. For those unable to attend in person, Coastal Georgia for Democracy will live-stream the forum on its YouTube channel.

All PSC candidates have been invited to appear and will answer voters’ questions regarding anything under the purview of the Public Service Commission, which includes how much Georgia residents pay for their electricity, landline telephones, and natural gas. They also oversee the 811 “Call Before You Dig” line and items related to line interruptions when they are improperly monitored by contractors and residents.

“Not only is this special election an important way for Georgians to regain control over what Georgia Power can do and to steer the state's energy future, it is also a way for constituents to ensure they stay active on the voter rolls,” said Coastal Georgia for Democracy Chairman Kris Mecholsky. “The simple act of voting in the PSC primaries will ensure voters are listed as active and not purged from Georgia’s voter registration list.”

Earlier this year, it was announced that Georgia election officials plan to remove nearly a half-million inactive voters from the registry. It is one of the biggest planned purges in the country.

Confirmed attendees for the candidate forum include Alicia Blackstone in District 2 and Daniel Blackman, Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Sean Waites in District 3. Commissioners are elected to six-year terms, with the total commission terms staggered to ensure continuity.

Unregistered voters must register to vote by May 19, 2025 to be eligible to vote in the primary election. Early voting is open May 27, 2025 – June 13, 2025. Election day for the primary is June 17, 2025.

RSVP for the Candidate Forum

About The Georgia Public Service Commission

The Georgia Public Service Commission has exclusive power to decide what are fair and reasonable rates for services under its jurisdiction. They must balance Georgia citizens' need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment while not guaranteeing it. The Commission protects consumers' interests while abiding by legal standards in setting rates. All matters scheduled for public hearing are heard by the Commissioners or in special cases, by an appointed hearing officer in open session.

About Coastal Georgia for Democracy

Coastal Georgia for Democracy, a grassroots group of residents in the coastal Georgia region, is Savannah’s Indivisible group in Georgia’s District 1. We are committed to protecting democracy and promoting genuine equity and inclusion through progressive advocacy. We do not endorse candidates. We aim to defend and protect against attacks on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including safe and fair elections, and the voting rights of citizens. Visit us at https://www.coastaldemocracy.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Media Contact: 

Karen Beasley, Coastal Georgia for Democracy 

112e32abnb@gmail.com

860-961-3943