The following is a guest post from PSC-2 GOP Candidate Jeff May. If any other candidates wish to submit one for publication within the next 36 hrs, please feel free to email us via the contact form or our email addresses if you have them. Also, for those candidates who are on the November ballot either already or after the Primaries, we will keep this offer going through November. Any time you send us a press release or a guest post, we will do our best to get it up.
Energy Independence is a National Security Issue. The ultimate consumer protection is the elimination of our dependence on foreign energy sources. As Commissioner, I will draw on my experience on the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee to keep our rates affordable, ensure our energy infrastructure is among the best in the country, expand nuclear power, and fight against proposals in Washington, such as Cap and Tax, that will drive-up our utility bills. I call it my 3-D Plan for Georgia – Diversify, Develop, and Deliver. We should Diversify our energy mix by looking at every possible source of energy – nuclear power, liquefied natural gas, offshore exploration, and growing renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass from Pine- while not putting too much reliance on one fuel commodity that could spike and leave us vulnerable to rate shock. We should continue to Develop the infrastructure that delivers out energy and meets our supply needs, while creating jobs for Georgians and stimulating our economy. Finally, we should Deliver reliable service at reasonable rates, and reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies.
The Public Service Commission is one of the least understood, yet most important elected offices in the state. The PSC deals with kitchen table issues that have an enormous impact on the budgets of every family, every business, and every prospective new industry considering locating in Georgia. From the time you wake up in the morning and flip on the lights, turn on the stove, and pick up the phone, until the time you turn off the TV and set the alarm at night, you have been affected by the PSC. I am running to make certain that utility services are available to everyone in Georgia, and our rates are among the nations lowest. By continuing to make investments today, we can keep rates lower tomorrow.
The purpose of the Public Service Commission is to find the appropriate economic balance between the utility and the consumer. As a business owner for the past 17 years, I understand the challenges of making a payroll and realize that the utilities must remain economically viable. As a consumer and a small business owner, I understand how much utility bills affect my family budget as well as the budget of my company. As a legislator, I have passed several pieces of significant Energy legislation. As Chairman of the House Energy subcommittee of Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications, I have dealt with energy and utility issues first-hand. As Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, I stopped legislation intended to outlaw certain types of coal in this state- the fuel used for 65% of our electricity statewide. I have testified before the PSC and passed legislation that directly affects the PSC, and that has ultimately benefited the consumer. As your Public Service Commissioner, I have the background, experience, knowledge, and vision to be a leader in energy policy and energy independence for Georgia.
