Georgia Voters Will Decide Commission Control in November
The upcoming election will determine party control over two seats on the state's five-member Public Service Commission.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Utilities
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Georgia voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to fill two seats on the five-member Public Service Commission. The results will determine which party holds control over the body that regulates state utility rates.
Why it matters
The Public Service Commission holds authority over the utility rate hikes that residents pay for electric service throughout the state. Control of the board was held entirely by Republicans for decades until Democrats flipped two seats in 2025.
There are five total seats on the Public Service Commission, with two of these positions up for election in the upcoming November cycle.
The players
Peter Hubbard
He is the Democrat incumbent currently serving as a commissioner and seeking reelection.
Fitz Johnson
He is the Republican candidate challenging the Democratic incumbent for a seat on the commission.
Josh Tolbert
He is a Republican candidate running for one of the two open commission seats.
Shelia Edwards
She is the Democratic candidate competing for a commission seat in the midterm election.
The details
Commissioners are responsible for regulating utility rates by reviewing proposals and questioning energy companies, a role that has recently centered on the rising utility costs of data centers. Candidates in the race include Democrat incumbent Peter Hubbard facing Republican Fitz Johnson, and Republican Josh Tolbert running against Democrat Shelia Edwards.
Timeline
Democrats flipped two seats on the Public Service Commission in 2025.
Candidates will participate in an Atlanta Press Club debate on October 12, 2026.
Voters will decide the two commission races in November 2026.
Market Landscape
The 2025 Public Service Commission election established the current competitive landscape for the board, following decades of Republican control. This race shifts the focus toward managing utility costs as the commission balances energy demands with ratepayer protections.
The outcome of these elections directly influences the future electric utility rates charged to Georgia residents. Voters will decide which regulatory philosophy guides the commission in its oversight of energy service providers.
The takeaway
The composition of the Public Service Commission acts as the primary check on utility price increases for state consumers. Residents should monitor the upcoming debates to understand how the candidates plan to address infrastructure costs and data center utility usage.
Further reading
Learn more about the local power sector by visiting Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta.
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