ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Voting ended Tuesday night for November’s ballot for a special election for two seats on Georgia’s hugely influential Public Service Commission (PSC).

The PSC sets electric and gas rates and regulates the state’s utilities and infrastructure. The general election on Nov. 4, 2025.

Here are the candidates:

District 2

Democrat

Republican

District 3

Democrats

• Daniel Blackman (ruled ineligible)
• Peter Hubbard
• Robert Jones
• Keisha Sean Waites

Republican

Critics argue that recent commission decisions have led to rising utility bills for consumers, without giving them much of a say.

“They keep trying to raise our electricity,” said voter Sharon Wasserman. “And it’s not like you have a choice on who to go to for your electricity. So this is another way of saying, hey, quit raising my rate.”

More than 70,000 Georgians cast ballots during early voting, but more than 7 million are eligible.

Paul Glaze, a voter frustrated with recent PSC decisions, said utility costs are becoming unaffordable.

“We need to send a strong message — that as long as it’s someone new, it’s better for us to take a chance on them rather than to just keep doing what we’ve been doing and slowly letting them bleed us dry," said Glaze.

Earlier this year, the PSC and Georgia Power announced the power company will not file an expected 2025 rate increase, instead freezing base rates at the current level for at least three years.

The move came as somewhat of a surprise as the two entities debated this year’s energy rates. Another hike was widely expected, as Georgia Power looked to recoup the cost associated with the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene after it ripped through parts of Georgia last year.

Instead, commissioners tabled discussions on recouperation of an estimated $870 million in storm damages until 2026.

All the challengers are calling for change, while Republican incumbent Tim Echols defends his record.

The five-member commission, currently all Republicans, also oversees some natural gas rates for Atlanta Gas Light and Liberty Gas.

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