Georgia's Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee recently heard testimony on restoring the state's Consumer Utilities Counsel, which was eliminated 18 years ago. Robert Baker, who has advocated for the office's return for 15 years, expressed frustration during February hearings about the lack of consumer representation in utility proceedings.
The absence of a consumer advocate means Georgia ratepayers lack dedicated representation when utilities seek rate increases or propose major infrastructure projects that could affect electricity costs. Without this office, consumers have limited ability to challenge utility proposals that may increase their energy bills or question the necessity of expensive power plant investments.
The economic implications extend beyond individual households, as commercial and industrial electricity users also lack advocacy representation. Higher utility rates can affect business competitiveness and economic development, while residential customers face potential hardship from rate increases without independent analysis of utility proposals.
Georgia stands among a minority of states without a consumer utility advocate, putting it at odds with regulatory trends in neighboring southeastern states. Most states maintain some form of consumer representation in utility proceedings, recognizing the need to balance utility interests with ratepayer concerns in regulated monopoly markets.
Utility companies typically oppose consumer advocate offices, arguing they add regulatory costs and delay proceedings, while consumer groups contend such offices provide essential oversight of monopoly utilities and protect ratepayers from excessive charges.