Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Good morning! Today we’re highlighting an issue our energy regulators are grappling with: how much electricity should Georgia Power produce. In a related story, we look at the already contentious statewide races for two of those regulatory positions. We’re also pleased to inform Coast Watch readers of an air purifier giveaway. Read on for details.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Ga. Power predicts soaring demand
Georgia Power is predicting an energy demand increase of 8,200 megawatts by 2031, driven by large industrial customers, especially data centers. (For comparison, the four nuclear units at Plant Vogtle have a generating capacity of 4,800 megawatts.) Critics argue the forecast is an overestimate that will profit the monopoly utility but increase costs for residential customers, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports. The company’s planned reliance on fossil fuels for energy production is also a concern.
Georgia Power has a history of overbuilding, and as a result Georgia’s electric grid is less than half utilized, writes Patty Durand, founder of Georgians for Affordable Energy. The Current profiled that new consumer energy advocacy group in April.
NEWS: ELECTIONS
Candidate residency questioned
A week into early voting in the primaries, it’s already a turbulent election for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, the body that regulates monopoly utilities including Georgia Power. These races have garnered little attention in the past, but recent rate hikes approved by the commission are fueling their profile this year.
Unusual rules govern the PSC election. Each commissioner is elected statewide but is required to live in their designated district. That means the whole state is voting for District 2 and 3 commissioners this go-round. Compounding its uniqueness this year, PSC elections are typically held for staggered six-year terms, but a legal challenge postponed the 2022 PSC races to 2025.
Last week, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger disqualified Democrat Daniel Blackman, who is running for the District 3 seat, based on a residency challenge. But Blackman is back on the ballot until at least June 10, when a judge will determine if he can continue, as Capital Beat’s Dave Williams reports. The primary is June 17.
Residency has not been an issue for the District 3 Republican incumbent. Fitz Johnson was appointed to that PSC seat by Gov. Brian Kemp in August 2021 despite living outside the district in Cobb County where he ran unsuccessfully for county commission in 2020. Georgia law spells out a one-year residency in the district prior to election but is silent on residency prior to an appointment.
Get cleaner indoor air
Energy consulting firm Be Smart Home Solutions, in partnership with the nonprofit Mothers & Others for Clean Air, is giving away 900 indoor air purifiers to Coastal Georgia residents in need. The effort aims to improve indoor air quality, especially for residents who live close to the ports or busy roads where emissions are high or in areas that see frequent flooding that can contribute to mold growth.
To sign up for an air purifier fill out the form here.
The units available are Intellipure Compact portable units from HealthWay, which are designed to cover about 500 square feet. There are no eligibility requirements and distribution will be first-come, first served, limited to one per home.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Turtle tracks
Both marsh terrapins and sea turtles are busy laying eggs this time of year. On Jekyll, you can track their activity online. The Jekyll Island Authority has launched two interactive maps that display the exact locations where terrapins and sea turtles have been spotted, along with daily counts and historical data. The initiative aims to provide information about conservation work on the island, as GPB’s Benjamin Payne reports.
Complete stories about these issues and a wide range of other coastal happenings are available on The Current’s website, which we hope our newsletters encourage you to explore.
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Georgia Power is planning for a huge spike in energy demand. Critics say it’s overestimating
Georgia Power is planning to meet a predicted 8,200 megawatt increase in electricity demand by 2031, largely driven by data centers, but critics argue that the forecast is overly optimistic and could result in higher customer bills and increased reliance on fossil fuels.
Judge stays disqualification of Daniel Blackman from PSC ballot
A judge has issued an injunction staying the enforcement of Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s order disqualifying Daniel Blackman from the Georgia Public Service Commission Democratic Primary ballot, pending a hearing on June 10.
Jekyll Island Authority launches interactive maps to watch turtle activity in real time
The Jekyll Island Authority has launched an online dashboard featuring two interactive maps that provide real-time data on turtle activity, including terrapins and sea turtles, on and near the Coastal Georgia barrier island.
Camden agency sues Jacoby Development over Cumberland Inlet debt
Add another court case to the old Gilman Paper site. Camden County’s development authority is suing Atlanta’s Jacoby Development to recoup a loan made to help fund development of an eco-tourism resort at the shuttered mil site. The legal entity that owns the site has already declared bankruptcy.
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