This November, Georgians overwhelmingly voted for new leadership on the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). But before the new Commissioners take office January 1, the current PSC is rushing a vote on Georgia Power’s massive fossil fuel expansion request that would lock in higher bills and emissions for decades.

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Petition to the Georgia Public Service Commission from Georgians concerned about climate change and affordable energy.

Georgians are already experiencing climate change's devastating impacts— record heat, worsening air quality, and extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene, the most destructive storm in our state's history. 

Yet instead of acting on the urgent need to transition off fossil fuels, Georgia Power is seeking approval to spend over $20 billion on a massive fossil gas expansion - almost all of it to serve speculative data center growth. This plan would lock us into outdated, unhealthy, climate-damaging fuels when cheaper clean energy solutions exist and prices continue to drop with advancing technology. And much of this plan's cost has been redacted from public view, despite Georgia Power customers being forced to pay every penny plus guaranteed profits.

We call on you, our Georgia Public Service Commissioners, to:

1. Approve no more than one-third of Georgia Power's request, consistent with PSC staff recommendations. Approve the battery storage and power purchase agreements PSC staff identified; don’t approve the construction of expensive new gas plants.
2. Delay further approvals until Georgia Power evaluates clean energy solutions that would lower demand, costs, and emissions. This would include data center curtailment, expanded net metering, more utility-scale solar with storage, and virtual power plants.
3. End rubber-stamping utility proposals and restore transparency to the regulatory process.

We deserve an energy future that protects our health, our wallets, and our climate. You have both the authority and the duty to serve Georgians — that means not approving requests that prioritize corporate profits over public interest.

The November 4 election delivered a clear message: Georgians want change at the PSC. This is your opportunity to prove you're listening.

Uphold your duty. Put Georgians first.