Petition to Support HB 653: Renaming the Georgia Public Service Commission to the Georgia Public Utility Commission
Many Georgians are unaware of the significant role the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) plays in their daily lives. This disconnect exists because the Commission’s name does not accurately reflect its responsibilities in regulating essential utilities. To address this, the Georgia General Assembly should pass HB 653, introduced by Representative Jordan Ridley, to rename the Public Service Commission as the Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The PSC holds immense power in shaping Georgia’s energy future, regulating privately-owned electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services. Its decisions directly impact every Georgian’s household budget, economic well-being, and environmental quality. A name change would provide greater transparency and help Georgians recognize the Commission’s critical role in ensuring fair utility rates, consumer protections, and reliable services.
The last time the General Assembly changed the Commission’s name was in 1922—over a century ago. Now is the time to modernize its title to align with its true function. The name “Public Utility Commission” more clearly conveys the Commission’s mission of ensuring safe, affordable, and reliable utility services for all Georgians.
By signing this petition, you are urging Georgia state legislators to support HB 653, give it a fair hearing, and pass it into law. Let’s ensure that every Georgian understands and engages with the agency responsible for overseeing the utilities we all rely on.
We are just four days away from Crossover Day on March 6th. For any bill to have a chance at becoming law, it must pass at least one chamber of the General Assembly by 11:59 PM on that day.
Sign and show your support for HB 653 today!