Where the Candidates Stand: Peter Hubbard on Climate & Energy

Peter Hubbard, the Democratic candidate for District 3 on the Georgia Public Service Commission, is running in an election open to all eligible Georgia voters, not just those in his district. This board sets rates and approves power plant plans for Georgia Power, which affects utility bills statewide. Election Day is November 3. The voter registration deadline is October 5, in-person early voting runs October 13 to October 30, the absentee ballot request deadline is October 23, and absentee ballots are due back November 3 (November 6 for military and overseas voters).

Hubbard already sits on the commission and has spent 15 years working in clean energy. As a commissioner, he voted to have the commission reconsider Georgia Power's $15.6 billion plan to expand power capacity, much of it for new gas-fired plants meant to serve growing data center demand. He argues that building more fossil fuel plants will raise electric bills, harm public health, and worsen climate change, and he has pushed for cheaper alternatives in the utility's long-term plans. He has also proposed changes to reduce how much customers pay for fuel and storm-related costs on their power bills.

Because the commission's decisions shape what Georgia Power charges every household and what kind of power plants get built to meet rising demand, this race can affect your electric bill and the mix of energy sources serving your home, whether or not you live in District 3.