Powering Fairness: Why Your Vote Matters in Georgia’s PSC Election
By Omar Madero, Poder Latinx Georgia
Election Day this year is quickly approaching, and many in our community still aren’t aware of what’s on the ballot or how much power these decisions have over our daily lives.
Beyond local municipal races, Georgia voters will also decide on seats for the Public Service Commission (PSC). But when we mention the PSC, most people don’t know what it is, how it impacts every household in Georgia, or why voting for it matters.
Here’s some context:
The PSC was originally created in 1879 as the Railroad Commission of Georgia to regulate passenger and freight rates.
In 1922, it was renamed the Public Service Commission, and its authority expanded to cover essential utilities like electricity, natural gas, and phone services.
Today, the PSC decides how much we all pay for the energy and other services we use at home. It impacts every person who lives in Georgia.
And here’s the reality: in the past decade, electricity rates in Georgia have jumped by nearly 30%. These hikes didn’t happen by accident. They were approved by the PSC. Whether you’ve heard of the Commission or not, their decisions hit our pockets every month. Families already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and child care are forced to stretch every dollar, with some working two or three jobs just to cover basic needs. Meanwhile, corporate profits keep climbing.
That’s why this election is about more than just rates: it’s about fairness, accountability, and democracy itself. It’s about making sure our votes go to candidates who represent people, not powerful corporations.
When we vote for candidates who share our values and fight for working families, we protect our communities from unfair rate hikes that force parents and neighbors into impossible choices—like taking on multiple jobs just to afford rent, groceries, and utilities.
Our vote can bring economic relief, cleaner energy options, and a future where our families can breathe easier, literally and financially. But this only happens if we show up and spread the word. Too many of our neighbors may not know what the PSC is, which makes it our responsibility to talk with them, share what’s at stake, and make sure every voice in our community is heard.
The choice is clear: we can continue letting corporate interests call the shots, or we can elect leaders who stand with us and deliver change we will feel in our wallets and in the air we breathe. A win at the PSC would not only protect families from unfair rate hikes, it would also be a win for fairness, inclusiveness, and democracy in Georgia. Are you registered to vote?
If you’re 18 or older and eligible to vote in the Peach State, visit www.poderlatinx.org/vote today to register, check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and more.
This election is about our future. What’s your plan to vote? I hope we can count on you at the ballot box, because your vote is the power that can build a brighter, fairer Georgia for us all.
Omar Madero is a dedicated community organizer whose passion for equity and progress drives everything he does. With a strong commitment to empowering those around him, Omar brings people together to take meaningful action on the issues that matter most. His leadership is rooted in compassion, courage, and a belief that every voice deserves to be heard. Whether he’s organizing at the local level or advocating for systemic change, Omar is a relentless champion for justice and inclusion—always working toward a stronger, fairer future for all.