Candidates Challenge Utility Regulators on Campaign Donations
Tomorrow is election day and while the transportation referendum has dominated much of the season’s debate, voters have some other important decisions on the ballot.
Challengers are contesting two seats on the Public Service Commission, the state agency that regulates Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, and other utilities. Both incumbents – Stan Wise and Chuck Eaton – have faced a steady stream of accusations involving conflicts of interest. The challengers say Wise and Eaton have too cozy a relationship with the utilities they regulate.
A recent report from the Atlanta Journal Constitution shows Eaton has accepted more than 85 percent of his donations from individuals connected to companies regulated by the PSC. Wise has received more than 70 percent.
Pam Davidson, an energy consultant running against Wise, calls it’s a clear conflict of interest. She says it has contributed to higher utility bills for Georgia ratepayers.
Both Wise and Eaton have repeatedly brushed aside those charges, saying the contributions are lawful and don’t affect their decision-making.
Davidson and Eaton’s challenger, Matt Reid, an engineer from Decatur, have campaigned for a change in state law that would prohibit commissioners from accepting donations from individuals connected to regulated utility companies.
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