OP/ED: The Race for Public Service Commissioner – Why It Matters to You

What Georgia race could directly impact your monthly household budget? The most important race you’ve never heard of: Georgia’s Public Service Commissioner. While the Public Service Commission has many responsibilities, it ultimately has the power to regulate utility costs.

Impact on the African American Community

Atlanta has the fourth highest energy burden in the country. We pay a higher proportion of our income toward utility bills than almost any city in the United States. This energy burden falls heavily on black families in the metro area.

Bad decisions by representatives on the Public Service Commission have led to these increased costs. Plant Vogtle has added a $100 per year tax to our utility bills. These rising bills and taxes place the highest burden on those with limited incomes. Families across the state are choosing between paying their electricity bill and buying groceries. That is not right.

This position also has a direct impact on the health of black communities. Communities near coal plants are disproportionately black, leading to higher rates of asthma and other health concerns in our children. We must invest in clean, renewable energy.

What You Can Do

 Lindy Miller is running for Georgia’s Public Service Commission, District 3, which is elected statewide. She is fighting for economic justice and making it her mission to make utilities affordable again for families, schools, and small businesses.

We need a Public Service Commissioner who is willing to fight for us. Please join us in voting for Lindy Miller for Georgia Public Service Commissioner on May 22.

Rita Scott is president of Communications Workers of America, Retired Members Council, District 3 and a long-time community leader. The Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley is the former pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta and an advocate for social and environmental justice.