POLITICO Energy What a Georgia election could reveal about US energy politics
Nov 4, 2025
In this discussion, Kelsey Tamborrino, a POLITICO reporter specializing in clean energy, delves into a crucial Georgia election impacting energy politics. She explores how rising electricity costs are influencing voter sentiment and whether Republicans or Democrats will emerge victorious in the Public Service Commission race. Kelsey highlights contrasting campaign messages: GOP focuses on reliability and rate freezes, while Democrats target rate hikes and push renewables. The implications for national energy affordability and the Trump administration's investments in rare earth companies are also examined.
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Small Race, Big Political Signal
- Georgia's Public Service Commission race is an under-the-radar but consequential statewide test on energy politics.
- Voters here are deciding whether Republicans' reliability message or Democrats' affordability critique resonates ahead of midterms.
Republican Argument: Reliability First
- Republican candidates stress grid reliability and oppose 'Green New Deal' style policies as drivers of higher bills.
- They point to approved rate freezes and below-average state rates to defend prior PSC decisions.
Why Bills Rose: Investments And Demand
- Georgia Power saw six rate hikes in three years driven by a nuclear plant overrun and higher fuel costs.
- Republicans argue those investments ensured reliability amid rising demand from data centers.