MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is under scrutiny as two seats are up for election, with candidates debating the impact of rising electricity bills on residents.

Peter Hubbard, a Democrat running for the PSC in District 3, is challenging incumbent Republican Fitz Johnson.

Hubbard criticized the current commission, "The all republican service commission has hiked your electricity bill 6 times in the last 2 years adding about 600 dollars per year to your bill. All while plowing money to dirty fossil fuels and discounts for giant data centers", said Hubbard.

In response, Tim Echols, the current District 2 public service commissioner, defended his record, stating, "I was able to freeze Georgia rates to protect consumers. Under my leadership, we tripled the senior discount and provided millions of dollars to the Salvation Army to assist those having a hard time."

WGXA News conducted a poll in August which revealed that 88% of Middle Georgia residents reported an increase in their electric bills.

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On Tuesday, State Rep. Miriam Paris highlighted the issue at a Democratic PSC kickoff event, sharing a conversation with a woman whose electricity bill reached $900.

Hubbard attributed part of the increase to data centers paying 80% less for power consumption compared to average Georgians. He proposed a solution that balances supporting job-creating businesses while keeping bills affordable.

"I'm telling you we can lower our power bills and embrace all of the business that want to do business and move to our beautiful state of Georgia and lower our power bills. We have to do it with clean energy," Hubbard said.