The backlash to high electric bills could transform U.S. politics

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🗞️ Driving the news: Soaring electricity bills in Georgia are fueling voter backlash and transforming obscure utility regulators into key political targets
• With rates rising sharply, communities across the state — from Albany to Atlanta — are mobilizing ahead of November’s Public Service Commission (PSC) elections
• Utility Georgia Power cites rising energy demand, driven by AI data centers and grid upgrades, as the reason behind six rate hikes since 2022

🔭 The context: Georgia Power projects a 50% increase in peak demand by 2031, prompting major investment in gas, solar, and delayed coal plant closures
• Critics warn of overbuilding and inflated forecasts that shift financial risk to consumers if demand fails to materialize
• The PSC has unanimously approved costly expansions, drawing scrutiny for its close alignment with utility interests

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: AI infrastructure growth is colliding with affordability and climate goals, raising questions about who pays for the energy transition
• Heavy reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure threatens emissions targets, while unchecked utility expansion risks burdening low-income communities
• The Georgia fight reflects a national pattern as more states confront similar tradeoffs between tech-driven growth and energy equity

⏭️ What's next: Two PSC seats are on the ballot statewide this November — and outcomes could reshape Georgia’s energy landscape
• A new commission makeup may lead to greater oversight of utility spending, demand forecasts, and clean energy priorities
• Similar political tensions are emerging in other states, with nine utility commissions holding elections in 2026

💬 One quote: “Our quality of life depends on electricity. It’s an essential service that must be affordable.” — Patty Durand, Georgians for Affordable Energy

📈 One stat: Average Georgia Power residential bills have increased by over $40 in two years — with some households paying over $500 per month

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