Public Service Commission asks for security and staff funding, stresses it does not approve data center siting

Richard McAllister, executive director of the Georgia Public Service Commission, told the appropriations subcommittee the PSC seeks several modest budget adjustments for FY2027: annualization of two positions added in the amended FY2026 budget, $34,560 for dedicated security at PSC meetings, funding to restore an administrative assistant position (house added $58,000), and $25,000 for auditing the universal access fund in anticipation of pending legislation.

McAllister described instances of heightened public participation that drove the security request, saying organized protesters once occupied a hearing room until state patrol cleared the space and that another individual used zip ties on hearing-room doors. "This appropriation will allow the commission to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Safety to ensure that we have security coverage for all Commission proceedings," McAllister said.

On data centers, McAllister and PSC staff clarified the commission does not approve or certify data center siting or construction and that the PSC’s role is to ensure utilities can meet customer needs and prevent cost-shifting among customer classes. When a committee member asked whether customers are paying more now because of data centers, Tom Krause, the PSC legislative liaison/public information officer, replied, "Right now, we're actually not paying anything," adding that data centers will pay for the infrastructure they use and that cities and counties may receive local tax benefits from such developments.

The PSC asked the subcommittee to align with the House on its proposed annualizations and additions. Committee members pressed for additional detail on data-center-related electricity-rate impacts; PSC staff said they would answer what they can and follow up on technical questions beyond the briefing.