2026 Georgia District 3 – Public Service Commission - Guides.vote

The election on November 3 will decide the District 3 seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Incumbent Democrat Peter Hubbard and Republican Fitz Johnson are running for a six-year term. The Commission currently has a partisan makeup of 3 Republicans and 2 Democrats. There is also an election this year for District 5.

The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates state utilities

The Commission is composed of five members who serve staggered six-year terms. Although the commissioners are elected by a statewide vote, the state is divided into five districts and commissioners represent the district in which they reside. The Commission is tasked with regulating rates for electric and natural gas utilities, as well as promoting competitive markets for landline telecommunications services and monitoring service quality. It is required to “balance Georgia citizens’ need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment.” The Commission sets rates only for investor-owned electric and natural gas utility companies while regulating some aspects of municipally owned services, including monitoring the safety of natural gas services. The Georgia Public Service Commission is established by Article IV, Section 1 of the Georgia Constitution.

In recent years the Public Service Commission has taken many significant actions. The Commission voted to authorize the construction of nuclear power reactors at Plant Vogtle, authorized two rate increases for Georgia Power customers in 2022 and 2023, voted to freeze rates in 2025, voted to lower rates in 2026, approved an investigation into whether data centers are shifting some costs to residential customers, and rejected a plan to expand net-metering, which would have incentivized more solar panel installation.

To help you decide

Here’s background on the candidates’ public statements, actions, and experience. Follow our links to get more information.

On company accountability, seeks “state legislation to protect consumers.”
On data centers, is concerned about whether or not data centers “pay their fair share.” Supports an “opportunity for public input” before Georgia Power signs contracts with large-load customers that use over 100 megawatts.
On infrastructure, as a commissioner filed a motion for the Commission to reconsider its approval of Georgia Power’s 10,000-megawatt electric grid expansion, intended to serve data centers.
On new energy sources, says, “I’m not simply anti fossil, in the sense that I recognize that there is some benefit to it, but I’m deeply concerned that we’re not truly accounting for all of the costs of public health and to the climate of fossil fuel infrastructure.” Says that while he sees a benefit from having “nuclear units come online,” the costs of nuclear plant construction should not have been “borne by the rate payers.”Says he needs more time on the Commission to expand renewable energy in Georgia. Says “I’d like to see us get to 30, 40, or 50% solar before we start thinking about some of the other more expensive resources.”
On utility rates, as a commissioner proposed an amendment to an agreement with Georgia Power that would require investigation of Georgia Power’s costs and practices before certification of a new rate agreement between the Commission and the utility.

Peter Hubbard is currently the Georgia Public Service Commissioner for district 3 where he has served since January 2026. He earned two bachelor of science degrees in physics and mathematics from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University. He has worked in the energy industry for 16 years, most recently founding the Georgia Center for Energy Solutions in 2019.

Hubbard’s endorsements include: Senator Raphael Warnock, the Georgia Democratic Party, Fair Fight Action, Georgia Conservation Voters, and Georgians for Affordable Energy, among others.

On company accountability, says that “you deserve clear, honest information about the decisions that affect your power bill.”
On data centers, says that Commission has already sufficiently protected ratepayers from data center costs. “When it comes to the data centers and the large loads, we put the ratepayers first…we’re not going to put any burden on our ratepayers.”
On infrastructure, says that the state’s stable grid will prevent power outages.Says that during heat waves, users should “set your AC to whatever makes you cool, and don’t worry about shutting off lights or unplugging electronics.” About grid expansion, as a commissionervoted to approve a nearly 10,000 megawatt expansion of Georgia Power’s grid capacity through a mix of natural gas, battery storage, solar, and power purchase agreements. Opposes “costly climate mandates.”
On new energy sources, says that fossil fuels should remain part of Georgia’s energy mix.Voted to increase Georgia Power’s rates by 6% to fund construction costs of the Vogtle Plant’s new nuclear power units.
On utility rates, says “reliable, affordable power is not a luxury. It’s the backbone of family budgets, job growth and Georgia’s economic future.” Voted in 2022 to increase Georgia Power rates by 12% over three years. Voted in 2023 for another increase at 12%. Voted in 2025 to freeze Georgia Power’s base power rates.

Fitz Johnson most recently served on the Georgia Public Service Commission from district 3 from 2021 until 2025. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, a master’s degree in education from Troy University and a J.D. from the University of Kentucky. He served 21 years in the United States Army, worked as a businessman, and is a former owner of the Atlanta Beat, of the Women’s Professional Soccer league.

Johnson’s endorsements include: Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Association of College Republicans, the Free Enterprise Fund, and Regulators Roundtable PAC, among others.

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2026 Georgia District 3 – Public Service Commission

Peter Hubbard (D) vs Fitz Johnson (R)

The Candidates

Peter Hubbard

Fitz Johnson

Why your November 3 vote matters

The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates state utilities

To help you decide

The Candidates

Peter Hubbard

Fitz Johnson

2026 Georgia District 3 – Public Service Commission

Peter Hubbard (D) vs Fitz Johnson (R)

The Candidates

Peter Hubbard

Fitz Johnson

Why your November 3 vote matters

The Georgia Public Service Commission regulates state utilities

To help you decide

The Candidates

Peter Hubbard

Fitz Johnson

Where do they stand:

Peter Hubbard

Fitz Johnson