Vote Solar Voices Support for New Legislation that Would Prioritize Transparency in Decisions Affecting Georgians’ Electric Bills

New Bill Would Grant Discovery Rights to all Official Parties in Georgia Public Service Commission Hearings 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2025 

Atlanta, GA– On February 13, Representative Jordan Ridley (R-22) introduced House Bill 446 to increase access to important information during Georgia Public Service Commission (Commission) hearings. The Commission, which regulates utility companies including Georgia Power, makes decisions affecting millions of Georgians’ electric bills. HB 446 would grant discovery rights to all official parties to Commission hearings, allowing them to ask questions and compel relevant information, such as data that is not voluntarily provided in an initial filing, from other parties, including Georgia Power. 

As the only state in the country that currently denies discovery rights to intervenors, Georgia’s utility companies have operated with less transparency and accountability. A lack of discovery rights jeopardizes everyone’s ability to challenge unfair pricing and practices and leaves the Commission in a position where it is asked to make very challenging decisions with less information available than it would have otherwise. HB 446 will align Georgia with best practices nationwide by granting discovery rights to all official parties at hearings.

“With energy costs on the rise, transparency in decision-making has never been more critical,” said Allison Kvien, Vote Solar’s Southeast Regulatory Director. “Discovery rights will equip stakeholders with the tools needed to analyze whether rate increases are justified and to push for energy solutions that prioritize affordability and access for everyone, including hard-working families and underserved communities.” 

The bill, HB 446, will open up the conversation during PSC hearings, granting intervenors the space to ask important questions, foster strong discussions, and ultimately enhance the Commission’s ability to make well-informed decisions.

“It is up to Georgian lawmakers to ensure the fairness and transparency that all Georgians deserve,” Kvien stated. “Now is the time for Georgia to join the rest of the nation in following best practices that ensure a fairer process for everyone.”

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is an energy justice non-profit working towards a 100% clean energy future by bringing solar to the mainstream. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advocates for clean energy in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level, where most decisions about electricity are made. Despite powerful opposition, we use a winning combination of deep policy expertise, coalition building, and public engagement to get the job done.