With the presidential primary over, the next statewide election in Georgia is the big one in November. Not on the ballot – yet anyway – is the Public Service Commission. Thanks to some judicial delay, current members who should theoretically have faced voters in 2022 remain on the commission – Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.
The delay is thanks to a lawsuit claiming the statewide voting for members, despite each commissioner representing a district across the state, violates the Voting Rights Act and blocks minority representation from the Commission. One judge agreed with the violation argument but an appeals court reversed the ruling in November but did not specify next steps for an election. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has said he is waiting on a final order before scheduling an election.
All of this has made campaigning for re-election a bit tricky. Echols has been on the commission since 2011 and was re-elected for a second six-year term in 2016. Known as an energetic campaigner and cheerleader for clean energy, Echols is in limbo, continuing to serve as a commissioner and his regular duties but with an election date that could be dropped at any moment.
“Since I don’t know exactly when the election will be, it has made campaigning difficult,” Echols told James Online. “In fact, I don’t know if the PSC elections will even be statewide anymore, so I don’t want to expend resources in the wrong area.”
Like the rest of us, Echols, Johnson and would-be opponents have no idea when an election might come, with the judge mum on plans.
“I have no idea of the Court’s timeline, so I continue to focus on my job at the PSC,” said Echols.
A third commissioner, Tricia Pridemore, should be up for re-election later this year but ultimately that election may be delayed as well. The commission continues its regular business, judging rate cases and approving rate hikes requested by Georgia Power to help cover the costs at Plant Vogtle and general energy costs. Since the elections were delayed in 2022, the commission has approved an additional $15 worth of monthly fees.
“The initial ruling by the federal judge basically froze everything in place until it was resolved,” said Echols. “The Commission continues to operate as normal with hearing, investigations and decisions.”
Echols will keep doing what he does, like the statewide Clean Energy Roadshow, showcasing alternative fuels, energy savings programs and some of the latest in energy technology. The self-described part seminar, part showcase highlights a range of vehicles, including natural gas, electric and propane fleet options, auto and bus manufacturers and utility partners.
“This is the 13th year for the Clean Energy Roadshow and we will travel the state as usual this summer,” said Echols. “We’ll make stops at Gwinnett Tech, the Epicenter and the Savoy Car Museum with our comprehensive program and car show.”
