Georgia Public Service Commission District 1
October 28, 2020
In the often-overlooked Public Service Commission race, District 1 Democratic candidate Robert Bryant challenges Republican Incumbent, Jason Shaw for one of the two seats open for re-election on Georgia’s Public Service Commission. The PSC is responsible for the regulation of utilities in Georgia which includes considering natural resources and working with payers and utility companies to ensure services are accountable, affordable, and accessible. Commissioners serve for 6-year terms and work to balance Georgia’s influential utility companies and the wants and needs of utility consumers.
Jason Shaw (R)
Jason Shaw is the Republican incumbent running for re-election in Georgia’s District 1 Public Service Commission race. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011-2018 and was first appointed Georgia Public Service Commissioner by Governor Deal to serve the remainder of Commissioner Dug Everett’s term on the PSC.
- In an effort to protect all ratepayers, not just those most vulnerable during the pandemic, Shaw is currently not in favor of utility moratoriums
- Will equip every community with high-speed internet
- Expand use of renewable technologies
- Will promote energy policies that lower energy costs and keep Georgia competitive
- Will support Trump’s America First energy plan and will work to prevent legislation such as the Green New Deal from increasing costs
Robert Bryant (D)
Robert Bryant is the Democratic candidate for Georgia’s District 1 Public Service Commission race. If elected, he would be only the second/third (depending on the District 4 race) Black commissioner in PSC’s history. His platform emphasizes the partnerships he would create with universities and research centers in Georgia to help make informed decisions.
COVID-19
- Will focus on the data and is In favor of maintaining the utility moratorium until unemployment levels off
- Lower the environmental footprint of and boost the quality of internet accessible to Georgia residents, specifically increasing rural access to to internet and broadband technology
- Emphasize the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power
- Work to reduce energy costs by increasing energy efficiency in homes and supporting clean energy initiatives
- Doesn’t support the current commissioner’s handling of Plant Vogtle but also does not support ending the project all together. He believes that none of the project’s cost overruns should be passed on to consumers.