u/PattyDurand

Representative Don Parsons claimed that nuclear fusion reactors were in the works and capable of generating power for the whole country. This kind of generation is far from ready in the US. However, there is already a nuclear fusion reactor that can generate power… and that is the sun. It’s a no-brainer… why aren’t we using that?

Well, Representative Parsons has continuously blocked legislation that would empower consumers to use solar generation in their homes, making utility bills cheaper and lessening the use of the extremely expensive nuclear power we use today. Georgia is one of the sunniest states in the country, and yet we are behind in solar production. Parsons blocked the use of balcony solar, claiming it was unsafe and would interfere with the grid. But Utah, Maine, Virginia, Colorado, Maryland, Connecticut, and Vermont have all signed a plug-in solar bill into law, and Germany has been using this technology for years. It makes no sense for Georgia not to do the same… unless you’re Georgia Power.

GA District 44 Representative Parsons is up for re-election this fall. If you’re worried about clean energy and your utility bill, vote instead for Danielle Bell.

Join me today from 6-7 pm for a webinar titled When the Lights Stay On, But Families Fall Behind where I'll be discussing two key reasons why data centers are rushing to Georgia, why Georgia Power is expanding CO2 emissions mind blowing amounts by relying on coal and gas to power them, and what opponents can do about it.

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Data centers are coming to Georgia, and Georgia Power is choosing corporate profit over clean energy and innovation.

They are accommodating these large load customers by expanding the use of nuclear, gas, and coal power production because ultimately, clean energy makes this big corporation less money. This is not the only time Georgia Power has prioritized profit over livelihood: they also got Don Parsons to block both the Rooftop and Balcony Solar bills, which would have decreased energy costs for customers.

What this all comes down to is that the US is behind. While China is powering its data centers with AI and solar power, Georgians are losing their homes to gas grid expansions. While Germans widely use balcony solar panels, Georgia's bill never passed.

This November, vote out Matt Brass and Don Parsons. Vote for Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards for the PSC.

As we well know. Georgia Power has increased rates six times in three years, adding $60/month to an average summer residential bill between 2022-2025. Those enormous rate increases delivered record profits to Georgia Power of $2.851 billion in 2025, profits so enormous their CEO called it "transformative". What else was transformative? The record number of disconnections we experienced, their customers, with over 10% of Georgia Power's residential base getting disconnected in 2025. 275,000 customers were disconnected, a number that is 10 times higher than utility norms.

I am working with a film crew creating a documentary about Georgia Power's exploitation of its captive customers and weak state consumer protections, and the film crew would like to get out from behind the numbers and speak with a few people who have experienced a Georgia Power disconnection and its impact on you and your family. If you have a story to tell please contact me.

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Georgians are fighting data centers across the state at county commission meetings, not realizing that state legislators have created the conditions that are causing the problems.

What are the conditions? In 2018, legislators removed all state and local taxes for data centers, and in 2010, legislators eliminated the Consumer Utility Counsel, leaving Georgia one of only five states to not have this critical role. Without a CUC, only industrials, manufacturers, data centers, and Georgia Power have representation at the PSC. Thus, electricity for data centers are rock bottom while residential utility bills are in the top five.

Finally, in both 2024 and 2025, state legislators (think Burt Jones and Matt Brass) refused legislation to require data centers to pay for grid expansion costs Georgia Power is making. Problem solved: get rid of Burt Jones (which happened yesterday) and get rid of Matt Brass on Nov. 3.

Governor Kemp claims Georgia Power is lowering rates— this is false. In the past 3 years, GA Power raised residential rates 6 times, adding roughly $60 to the average utility bill. But his term is up this November, and we need to focus on the other bad apples up for election:

District 6 Senator Matt Brass continuously delivered for GA Power and Governor Kemp through his role as Rules Committee Chair. He killed Senate Bill 34, which would have required data centers to pay substantially all costs related to the electricity grid infrastructure built to serve their needs. If you live in Coweta, Heard, or Carroll counties, vote for his opponent, JerMarkus Jacobs.

Representative Don Parsons is the House Energy and Utilities Committee Chair and is another GA Power sellout. He killed last year’s balcony solar bill and every other solar bill that came before him, since they would ultimately cut into GA Power’s profits. If you live in Marietta, Cobb County, or Cherokee County, vote for Danielle Bell.

Data centers flock to Georgia because of rich state incentives:

1. Industrial electricity rates data centers pay are 50% below the national average.

Georgia is one of only five states with no Consumer Utility Counsel (CUC) at the PSC. Industrials lobby hard, and with no consumer advocate for balance, data center rates are far below other states. As Rules Chair, Senator Matt Brass (GA District 6) killed SB 94 to reestablish a CUC.

2. Data centers purchase expensive computer equipment tax-free.

In 2018 the Legislature passed state and local sales ​tax exemptions for expensive computer equipment.

This will not be solved at the county level. Data centers will continue to pop up around Georgia. Vote for JerMarkus Jacobs for GA Senate District 6. Vote in the PSC elections this fall.

Last November, Georgia voters ejected two of their republican Public Service Commissioners for democrats, something that hasn’t happened in over 20 years. Now Tricia Pridemore’s seat is up for election— but this time, she won’t be running.

The jig is up, and GA voters are realizing that they need better representation when it comes to their power bills and the growth of data centers.

3/5 commissioners are now gone, but we still need to ensure we choose the right candidates this November. Re-elect Peter Hubbard for his full term, and elect Shelia Edwards to replace Tricia Pridemore.

2 years ago today, Georgia Power executives cut the ribbon, putting Plant Vogtle into operation. This plant is historic for multiple reasons... Its significance in nuclear energy growth and its exorbitant costs.

Plant Vogtle cost Georgia Power $36.8 billion (the most expensive power plant in the US).

Because of its delayed construction and cost overruns, Georgia Power customers are paying for a remaining balance of $7.56 billion.

Georgia's PSC approved this decision, and it will be on GA Power bills for the next 60-70 years. Vote for representatives who care about the costs for customers.

Today Georgia's PSC approved 2 Georgia Power filings:

1. A residential and small business rate increase to compensate for Hurricane Helene's damage costs of $690 million.

2. Shifting the costs of gas line production for data centers onto residential and small business customers. Data centers continue to only pay for the power they use.

Georgia Power is making moves away from clean energy, all while climate change is what's driving extreme storm damage. PLUS putting the cost on their customers.

This just shows the importance of voting in this fall's general elections for representatives with customers' interests at heart.

Tomorrow Georgia's PSC will vote on 2 Georgia Power filings:

1. A residential and small business rate increase of 4.6% due to Hurricane Helene's damage costs of $690 million. This is despite the fact that there is a 3-year rate freeze in place.

2. Shifting the costs of gas for data centers onto residential and small business customers.

Georgia Power is making moves away from clean energy, all while climate change is what's driving extreme storm damage. PLUS putting the cost on their customers.